Abstract

This paper describes the design, realization and characterization of an integrated Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) with a bandwidth from 0.4 to 8 GHz. A very good noise figure is achieved in this frequency band. The design uses a source impedance of 150 ohm in the contrary to the standard of 50 ohm. The load impedance is 50 ohm. The use of a non-50 input source impedance creates new possibilities for the design of the power and noise matching circuitry. A combination of a good power and noise match can be achieved for a very broad band, with a minimum of components. This concept requires a non-standard antenna (source) output impedance (150 ohm), which is for most antenna principles easier to realize then 50 ohm [1]. The LNA will be part of an active antenna phased array system, which should operate from 0.2 to 2 GHz [2].