I. Introduction
Low noise amplifier (LNA) is an essential element for any satellite based communication or remote sensing system [1]. Especially for very small aperture terminals (VSAT's), LNA plays a critical role in achieving target gain-over-temperature (G/T) value and determines the overall reception quality at the RF front-end. LNA's are usually coupled with down conversion mixers to bring the RF signal down to L-band for satellite modems. Thus, low noise block (LNB) is common in many practical applications. However, in certain applications where the antenna element requires precision tracking, the weight of LNB and its blockage to satellite reception necessitates the use of LNB at a distance as opposed to immediate vicinity of the antenna phase center [2]. In such applications, the weak satellite signal must be amplified before it is being passed to remote LNB to overcome considerable cable loss which directly translates into higher noise figure (NF) and G/T.