A low-noise amplifier with continuously-tuned input matching frequency and output resonance frequency

This paper outlines the popular circuit tuning strategies reported for the implementation of reconfigurable low-noise amplifiers (LNAs). It presents a continuously-tuned LNA intended for multi-standard applications as well as enhancing the yield of conventional narrowband LNAs. The presented LNA is designed and implemented in a 0.25μm silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) CMOS process. It uses MOS-varactors at the output to continuously tune its load resonance frequency and input matching frequency without the need of a tunable input network, achieving optimized power consumption and noise figure (NF). The post-layout simulations show that the designed LNA can be continuously tuned from 2.6 GHz to 3.5 GHz. Over this frequency range, an input IP3 of of -12 dB, gain of 17 dB and a NF of less than 2 dB have been achieved with 3.4 mW of power consumption at 1.8V.