A novel cascode feedback GaAs MMIC LNA with transformer-coupled output using multiple fabrication processes

The design, development, and performance of a novel high dynamic range cascode feedback GaAs MMIC LNA with transformer-coupled output is presented. The baseline design (chip size: 48*48 mils) operates over any 1-GHz bandwidth (with a simple off-chip input inductor) in the 0.5-3-GHz frequency range and has typically 15-dB small signal gain, 2.1-dB noise figure, and greater than 15 dBm of output power at 1-dB gain compression point. Performance results of this circuit fabricated in three different foundry processes are presented. >