A novel low power, class AB SiGe LNA for high dynamic range wireless communications at RF frequencies

This paper describes an ultra linear, low power consumption, high/low gain state LNA based on the Gilbert micromixer input stage for use in any modern day wireless communications systems. The LNA was designed for L band operation, and has a simulated performance with these characteristics at 1.9 GHz: Voltage gain of 15 dB, noise figure of 2.60 dB, IIP3 of +4 dBm, and a current consumption of only 1.75 mA from a +3.0 V source. In addition, the LNA has an input impedance of 53 /spl Omega/ that does not vary with up to +2 dBm input signal levels, a characteristic not found in other LNA architectures.