Implementation of a Low Noise Amplifier With Self-Recovery Capability

In this paper, an RF low noise amplifier (LNA) with self-recovery capability has been designed and implemented. A degradation model of hot carrier injection (HCI) of n-channel MOSFETs is proposed to simulate the aging process of the RF circuits, and a method for monitoring the HCI degradation in the RF circuits has been developed. Self-recovery mechanism of the LNA is triggered automatically by monitoring the HCI degradation to compensate for the HCI degradation. With the self-recovery capability, the LNA can maintain its performance under HCI stress over time. The proposed LNA has been fabricated with a
$0.13\mu m$
CMOS technology and the self-recovery capability has been experimentally demonstrated.