College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
6-2021
Primary Advisor
Dean Arakaki, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This project is a contest entry in the Wide In-band Receiver area of the 2020 International Microwave Symposium, 5G Low Noise Amplifier Competition [1]. The project includes RF transistor selection, single, two-stage, and cascode models, and RF parameter optimization to maximize the IMS Competition figure of merit along with a supplemental figure of merit [2]. 5G technologies (used in cellphones, IoT, etc.), first introduced in 2018, are on the rise in current society. Fifth generation hardware requires extended capabilities in comparison to 4G (5-20MHz bandwidth EU: 0.6-2.6GHz), including the newly allocated sub 6GHz frequency bands (EU: 3.4-3.8GHz) and wider bandwidth (5-100MHz) [3]. Ergo, 5G requires improved RF hardware to accommodate the wider bandwidth requirement.
The RF amplifier is a fundamental RF and wireless hardware component. RF system Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA’s) receive and amplify weak signals (GSM standard: minimum -102dBm [4]) to a detectable power level with minimized noise contribution. The transistor defines the design limitations for gain, noise figure, and linearity, so its selection is integral in the design process.
The Infineon HBT (heterojunction bipolar transistor) BFP740 was selected for its high transition frequency (44GHz) and low noise figure specification (0.65dB at 3.5GHz) [5]. The design process optimizes return loss, dynamic range, power gain, noise figure, and stability. This senior project develops three LNA topologies for European 5G systems (3.4 - 3.8GHZ): Single-Stage, Two-Stage Cascade, and Cascode. Simulation models developed in Keysight’s PathWave Advanced Design System (ADS) evaluate and compare the designs.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/538