Optimization of cascode CMOS low noise amplifier using inter-stage matching network

The traditional cascode structure of CMOS low noise amplifier (LNA) is considered as a two-stage amplifier and inter-stage matching network is introduced accordingly. Deduction shows that a series inductor can be applied as the inter-stage matching network between the two stages. In the end, a 2-GHz CMOS low noise amplifier is designed as an example. Simulation results show that the noise and gain performances are improved evidently after the introduction of the series on-chip inductor.