Efficient utilization of on-chip inductors in silicon RF IC design using a novel CAD tool; the LNA paradigm

A CAD tool for modelling planar and multi-layer polygonal integrated inductors on silicon substrates has been developed. The tool can be used in the efficient design of RF ICs containing on-chip inductors. The accuracy and reliability of the software is established through measurement results. The CAD tool is then used in the extraction of design guidelines for the development of inductor structures suitable for a given application. This procedure is demonstrated with the design of an LNA.