Design, fabrication & testing of Low Noise Amplifier at Ku-Band

Low noise amplifier (LNA) is used to amplify the received low power RF signals. A narrowband LNA is designed at the center frequency of 12.7 GHz with a gain of 10 dB, bandwidth of 72 MHz and noise figure of 3 to 4 dB. The design methodology required the analysis of the transistor, stability check and proper matching network selection for input and output. Ideal microwave amplifier equations are used to carry out the analytical treatment for the design. Advanced Design Software (ADS) is used to carry out simulations for the design and to see how the design is comparable to the specifications. The DC and AC simulations for the LNA are presented in the paper. Fabrication and testing of the LNA is also discussed.