A 26 GHz low-noise amplifier in 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS technology

A 26 GHz monolithic low-noise amplifier (LNA) is implemented in a standard 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS technology. Measurements show a gain of 8.9 dB at the peak gain frequency of 25.7GHz and a noise figure of 6.93 dB at 25 GHz. The maximum to minimum gain difference over 25-26GHz is only 0.15dB. At 26GHz, the input and output return losses are better than 14dB and 12dB, respectively. It consumes 30mA of dc current from a 1.8 V power supply. The performance presents feasibility of a standard CMOS process for use in monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) above 20GHz. The operation frequency of 26GHz is believed to be the highest one ever reported for LNA in a standard CMOS technology.