A 1.2 V Reactive-Feedback 3.1–10.6 GHz Low-Noise Amplifier in 0.13 μm CMOS

A 15.1 dB gain, 2.1 dB (min.) noise figure low-noise amplifier (LNA) fabricated in 0.13 mum CMOS operates across the entire 3.1-10.6 GHz ultrawideband (UWB). Noise figure variation over the band is limited to 0.43 dB. Reactive (transformer) feedback reduces the noise figure, stabilizes the gain, and sets the terminal impedances over the desired bandwidth. It also provides a means of separating ESD protection circuitry from the RF input path. Bias current-reuse limits power consumption of the 0.87mm² IC to 9 mW from a 1.2 V supply. Comparable measured results are presented from both packaged and wafer probed test samples