RF-SOI Low-Noise Amplifier Using RC Feedback and Series Inductive-Peaking Techniques for 5G New Radio Application

Abstract

This paper presents a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with an integrated input and output matching network designed using RF-SOI technology. This LNA was designed with a resistive feedback topology and an inductive peaking technology to provide 600 MHz of bandwidth in the N79 band (4.4 GHz to 5.0 GHz). Generally, the resistive feedback structure used in broadband applications allows the input and output impedance to be made to satisfy the broadband conditions through low-impedance feedback. However, feedback impedance for excessive broadband characteristics can degrade the noise performance as a consequence. To achieve a better noise performance for a bandwidth of 600 MHz, the paper provided an optimized noise performance by selecting the feedback resistor value optimized for the N79 band. Additionally, an inductive peaking technique was applied to the designed low-noise amplifier to achieve a better optimized output matching network. The designed low-noise amplifier simulated a gain of 20.68 dB and 19.94 dB from 4.4 to 5.0 GHz, with noise figures of 1.57 dB and 1.73 dB, respectively. The input and output matching networks were also integrated, and the power consumption was designed to be 9.95 mA at a supply voltage of 1.2 V.

Low-Noise Amplifier with Bypass for 5G New Radio Frequency n77 Band and n79 Band in Radio Frequency Silicon on Insulator Complementary Metal–Oxide Semiconductor Technology

“…As depicted in the equation, the input impedance decreases with the resistance value of R FB , leading to an extended bandwidth of the low-noise amplifier. However, as indicated in Equation (2), an increase in the feedback resistor (R FB ) also increases the noise figure [ 11 ]. Moreover, the bandwidth extension technique using inductive peaking has the effect of compensating for the parasitic capacitance (C parasitic ) occurring between drain and source, as illustrated in the simplified equivalent circuit shown in Figure 1 b, thereby increasing the F T of the transistor.…”

“…However, for Cascode low-noise amplifiers intended for 5G NR, where bandwidth limitations exist, techniques for bandwidth extension become essential to achieve the desired bandwidth. Various techniques, such as distributed, coupled/resistive feedback, series peaking, double L-type matching network, and gm-boosting, are employed for this purpose [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. In the case of the representative RC feedback technique, the bandwidth of the low-noise amplifier is determined by the transistor’s Ft (transition frequency) and the feedback loop.…”