A miniaturized X-band 4-stage LNA designed using a novel layout optimization technique

A novel layout optimization technique has been proposed and adapted to an X-band LNA. The layout pattern of the amplifier has been optimized in only two days by using simple equivalent circuits derived from electromagnetic simulation results. The amplifier has achieved a gain of 35 dB with a noise figure of 1.7 dB. These results have good agreement with simulated results, and the effective chip area is miniaturized to 4.8 mm/sup 2/.