Finger-regulated simultaneous noise-and-input-matching technique with wideband impedance settlement for CMOS low noise amplifiers

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to develop a frequency-regulated simultaneous noise-and-input-matching (FRSNIM) methodology based on an impedance settlement approach of source referred noise impedances (Zopt) using the Advanced Design System (ADS) platform in 0.18 μm CMOS process. To establish wideband impedance regulation in CMOS low noise amplifiers (LNAs) through exploitation of multifinger architectures, a contour plot based bias setup protocol for supply and gate rails has been developed. Additionally, in order to achieve a better trade-off between unconditional stability and noise ceilings, the influence of multifinger device models on stabilization has been determined through examination of radio frequency (RF) stability parameters. To offer area-penalty-free relief of restricted transconductance through the FRSNIM system, finger-controlled impedance selection protocols have been devised over the band of interest where the common gate (CG) input matching network (IMN) of amplifiers has been able, without compromising RF noise performance or utilizing capacitor cross-coupling structures, to downscale Zopt wideband variation. Furthermore, the issue of large matching areas for common source IMNs has been addressed as the nomogram-controlled fingering technique has reduced the variation of wideband-impedanceleading to redundancy of multi-order band-pass matching circuits and decreased chip footprint. The source inductor's degenerating influence at higher frequencies has been resolved through frequency response compensation and the settled FRSNIM mechanism has addressed the effect of bond pads and bond wires to model the influence of packaged parasitics on scattering port parameters. In addition, the developed bias set up protocol has featured process variation tolerant management of stability, noise parameters, and gain. Finally, post-layout EM circuit co-simulation has been conducted and the superiority of the multifinger technique over comparable schemes has been demonstrated by comparison studies with published designs.