Frequency-Bounded Matching Strategy for Wideband LNA Design Utilising a Relaxed SSNM Approach
Source abstract
Abstract
This paper proposes relaxed Simultaneous Signal and Noise Matching (SSNM) conditions to address limitations in selecting source degeneration inductors for multistage LNA design, achieved by introducing controlled mismatches at the external ports. Additionally, a novel frequency-bounded mismatch envelope is introduced to guide load termination selection based on desired IM-OM (input mismatch-output mismatch) characteristics across the operating band. Building on these concepts, a systematic, easy-to-follow strategy is presented for implementing wideband multistage low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), significantly reducing reliance on blind CAD-based optimisation. This approach is validated through a three-stage MMIC LNA prototype, fabricated using a 0.15 μm GaAs process and operating from 28 to 34 GHz. The measured results closely match the simulation, demonstrating a stable gain of 23 ± 1 dB and a noise figure of 2–2.5 dB, confirming the practical effectiveness of the proposed design approach for wideband amplifiers.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Antenna Design and Analysis · Microwave Engineering and Waveguides · Antenna Design and Optimization
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Electronics Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
References (30)
Show source-provided references
1. Huang, C., Zhang, Z., Wang, X., Liu, H., and Zhang, G. (2023). An MMIC LNA for Millimeter-Wave Radar and 5G Applications with GaN-on-SiC Technology. Sensors, 23.10.3390/s23146611 ↗
2. Li, F., and Wu, Y. (2019, January 19–22). Ka-band Single-chip GaAs PHEMT Transceiver MMIC for Ranging FMCW Radar. Proceedings of the 2019 International Conference on Microwave and Millimeter Wave Technology (ICMMT), Guangzhou, China.10.1109/ICMMT45702.2019.8992076 ↗
3. Cuadrado-Calle, D., George, D., and Fuller, G. (2014, January 15–17). A GaAs Ka-band (26–36 GHz) LNA for radio astronomy. Proceedings of the 2014 IEEE International Microwave and RF Conference (IMaRC), Bangalore, India.10.1109/IMaRC.2014.7039046 ↗
4. Q/V band LNA for satellite on-board space applications using a 70 nanometers GaAs mHEMT commercial technology10.1002/mop.31317 ↗
5. Arican, G.O., Akcam, N., and Yazgan, E. (2019, January 16–17). Ku-Band MMIC LNA Design for Space Applications. Proceedings of the 2019 6th International Conference on Electrical and Electronics Engineering (ICEEE), Istanbul, Turkey.10.1109/ICEEE2019.2019.00059 ↗
6. Low-Power Low-Noise Amplifier Using Attenuation-Adaptive Noise Control for Ultrasound Imaging Systems10.1109/TBCAS.2016.2552246 ↗
7. Low-Power Short-Range Radio CMOS Subharmonic RF Front-End Using CG-CS LNA
8. Chou, H.-S., Liu, C.-C., and Chen, T.H. (2001, January 3–6). Ka-band monolithic GaAs PHEMT low noise and driver amplifiers. Proceedings of the APMC 2001. 2001 Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference (Cat. No.01TH8577), Taipei, Taiwan.
9. Ciofi, C., and Limiti, E. (2023, January 5–7). A Ka-Band Ultra-Low Power GaAs MMIC LNA. Proceedings of the SIE 2023, Rende, Italy. Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering.
10. DNguyen, P., Pham, B.L., Pham, T., and Pham, A.-V. (2017, January 4–9). A 14–31 GHz 1.25 dB NF enhancement mode GaAs pHEMT low noise amplifier. Proceedings of the 2017 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS), Honololu, HI, USA.10.1109/MWSYM.2017.8059048 ↗
11. Ka-band monolithic low-noise amplifier using direct ion-implanted GaAs MESFETs10.1109/75.374083 ↗
12. Transformer-Feedback Interstage Bandwidth Enhancement for MMIC Multistage Amplifiers10.1109/TMTT.2014.2383400 ↗
13. Analysis and design of multi-stage wideband LNA using simultaneously noise and impedance matching method10.1016/j.mejo.2019.03.004 ↗
14. Novel Design Charts for Optimum Source Degeneration Tradeoff in Conjugately Matched Multistage Low-Noise Amplifiers10.1109/TMTT.2021.3068285 ↗
15. Constant Mismatch Circles and Application to Low-Noise Microwave Amplifier Design10.1109/TMTT.2013.2288696 ↗
16. Abdalrahman, F., Longhi, P.E., Colangeli, S., Ciccognani, W., Serino, A., and Limiti, E. (2025). Insight into Optimally Noise- and Signal-Matched Three-Stage LNAs and Effect of Inter-Stage Mismatch. Electronics, 14.10.3390/electronics14101967 ↗
17. A graphic design method for matched low-noise amplifiers10.1109/22.46419 ↗
18. Hwang, S., Kang, D., Lee, Y., and Park, D.-W. (2025). A 13–33 GHz Wideband Low-Noise Amplifier in 150-nm GaAs Based on Simultaneous Noise- and Input-Matched Gain-Core with R-L-C Shunt Feedback Network. Electronics, 14.10.3390/electronics14030450 ↗
19. A Broadband Multistage LNA With Bandwidth and Linearity Enhancement10.1109/LMWC.2016.2605446 ↗
20. Armengaud, V., Lintignat, J., Barelaud, B., Jarry, B., Babak, L.I., and Laporte, C. (2008, January 27–31). Design of a Ka-band MMIC filtering LNA with a metamorphic HEMT technology for a space application. Proceedings of the 2008 European Microwave Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.10.1109/EUMC.2008.4751716 ↗
21. A ka-band low noise amplifier using forward combining technique10.1109/LMWC.2010.2085425 ↗
22. Ahn, H., Ji, H., Kang, D., Son, S.-M., Lee, S., and Han, J. (2022). A 26–30 GHz GaN HEMT Low-Noise Amplifier Employing a Series Inductor-Based Stability Enhancement Technique. Electronics, 11.10.3390/electronics11172716 ↗
23. Mao, F., Chen, Z., Li, B., Wu, Z., Chen, X., and Guan, Q. (2024). A 23–29 GHz GaN Low-Noise Amplifier with Drain-to-Source Coupling Feedback. Electronics, 13.10.3390/electronics13214154 ↗
24. A low-noise amplifier design using the performance limitations of a microwave transistor for the ultra-wideband applications10.1002/mmce.20459 ↗
25. Broadband Amplifier Design Technique by Dissipative Matching Networks
26. Pozar, D.M. (2021). Microwave Engineering: Theory and Techniques, John Wiley & Sons.
27. Optimum Noise Performance of Linear Amplifiers10.1109/JRPROC.1958.286973 ↗
28. Significance of the Noise Measure for Cascaded Stages10.1109/TCT.1969.1082953 ↗
29. Partitioned Ohtomo Stability Test for Efficient Analysis of Large-Signal Solutions10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3387054 ↗
30. Su, Y.-C., Huang, K.-H., and Chang, H.-Y. (2024, January 17–20). A Ka-Band Low Noise Amplifier Using R-L-C Feedback Technique in E-Mode 0.15-µm GaAs pHEMT Process. Proceedings of the 2024 IEEE Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference (APMC), Bali, Indonesia.10.1109/APMC60911.2024.10867788 ↗