A 1.8GHz amplifier with 39dB frequency-independent smart self-interference blocker suppression

This paper presents a 1.8GHz RF amplifier implemented in 140nm CMOS with frequency-independent blocker suppression. The functionality is obtained by adaptation of a nonlinear current transfer according to the blocker amplitude. In the presence of a 0-11dBm RF blocker a voltage gain of 7.6 to 9.4dB and IIP
₃
>;4dBm are measured, while the blocker is suppressed by more than 39dB. In case of no blocker the circuit is set to amplifier mode providing 17dB of voltage gain, 8.4dB noise figure and IIP3 of 6.6dBm while consuming 3mW. Application areas are coexistence in multi-radio devices and dealing with TX leakage in FDD systems.