170–862 MHz, 6.16 mW compact switched-gain low-noise amplifier

This paper presents a switched-gain low-noise amplifier (SGLNA). The proposed SGLNA achieves three-step variable gains by combining the current-steering and inter-stage impedance-mismatching techniques. The proposed amplifier was designed using a TSMC 0.18 μm mixed-signal CMOS process. Post-layout simulation results demonstrate that the SGLNA achieves a gain range of −24.9–+21.8 dB and a noise figure range of 3.56–4.13 dB over the frequency range of 170–862 MHz. The S11 and S22 are both <−15 dB over the same frequency range. The SGLNA occupies an active area of 0.053 mm2 and consumes 6.16 mW in high-gain mode from a 1.8 V power supply.