A miniature dual-band low-noise amplifier module for IEEE 802.11 b/g/a WLAN applications

This paper describes the design and implementation of a low-noise amplifier module in a single package that is capable of operating in both the 2.4 GHz band and the (4.9-6) GHz band. The module utilizes a MMIC fabricated using Agilent's proprietary low-noise enhancement-mode pHEMT process. A cascode configuration is used to obtain high gain and low currents for the 2.4 GHz band amplifier whilst a two-stage amplifier is used in the 5 GHz band. In the 2.45 GHz band, gain is 17 dB at 14 mA current with 0.9 dB of noise figure. In the 5 GHz band, gain is (22-24)dB at 22 mA and 1.5 dB average noise figure. Input P1dB is -5.5 dBm for the 2.4GHz LNA and typically -14 dBm for the 5 GHz LNA. IIP3 is +5.5 dBm for the 2.4 GHz LNA and typically -2dBm for the 5GHz band. The complete design uses only one RF input matching component external to the MMIC inside the module. The complete LNA is housed in a 3mm /spl times/ 3mm molded chip-on-board package and requires only two external bypass capacitors in actual operation.