A 39-GHz 18.5-mW LNA with T/R switch, 15.4-dB gain, -2.2dBm IIP3, 5.6-dB NF, for a 5G in-cabin basestation in 22-nm FD-SOI

The 39-GHz low-noise amplifier (LNA) presented here overcomes the tough specifications on linearity for a 5GMIMO in-cabin base station. With a pseudo-differential topology, it operates under the nominal core supply voltage, and is specifically designed for a 22-nm FD-SOI technology. This LNA comprises an input matching network – with T/R switch – that can interface to a transmitter, a first stage with source degeneration, and a common-source second stage. For the nominal receiver operation at 39 GHz, this LNA exhibits an IIP3 of -2.2 dBm, gain of 15.4 dB, noise Figure of 5.6 dB, while consuming 18.5 mW. For a scenario where it is used for loopback of the transmitter digital predistortion, the LNA exhibits a gain of -8.6 dB with IIP3 of 14.9 dBm.