Theta Microelectronics, Inc.

Georgios Vitzilaios

Yannis Papananos

A predistortion method for CMOS Low-Noise-Amplifiers (LNAs) to be used in Broadband Wireless applications is presented. The method is based on the nulling of the third order Intermodulation distortion (IMD3) of the main amplifier by a highly nonlinear predistortion branch. Maximum third order product cancellation is ensured by a transformer feedback method. The technique improves linearity in a wide range of input power without significant gain and Noise Figure (NF) degradation. Simulation results on a 1-V LNA indicate a 10.3 dB improvement in the Input Third-Order Intercept Point (IIP3) with a reduction of only 1 dB and 0.44 dB in amplifier gain and NF respectively.

Highly linear low-noise amplifiers

A low-noise amplifier, that utilizes multiple monolithic transformer magnetic feedback to simultaneously neutralize the gate-drain overlap capacitance of the amplifying transistor and achieve high gain at high frequencies when driving an on-chip capacitance, is shown. The multiple transformer topology permits negative and positive feedback to be applied constructively, allowing for a stable design with adequate gain and large reverse isolation without Noise Figure degradation.

Growing community of inventors

Galatsi, Greece

Georgios Vitzilaios