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

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Jun 22;23(13):5808. doi: 10.3390/s23135808.

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.

Keywords: 5G; New Radio (NR) frequency band; RC feedback; RF-SOI (radio frequency silicon-on-insulator); inductive peaking; low-noise amplifier (LNA).

MeSH terms

  • Amplifiers, Electronic*
  • Electric Impedance
  • Feedback
  • Noise
  • Technology*