Low Noise, High Gain RF Front End Receiver at 5.
8GHz for WiMAX Application
Low Noise, High Gain RF Front End Receiver at 5.8GHz
for WiMAX Application
Othman A. R, Hamidon A. H, Abdul Wasli. C, Mustaffa M. F,
Ting J. T. H, Ibrahim A.B
Faculty of Electronic & Computer Engineering
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)
Locked Bag 1200, Hang Tuah Jaya,
75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka,
Malaysia
Abstract
This paper presents the design of a high
gain, low noise direct conversion Radio
frequency(RF) front-end receiver system. The
Front end receiver is designed to operate at 5.8
GHz in compliant with IEEE 802.16 WIiMAX
standard. The system consists of a low noise
amplifier (LNA), a radio frequency amplifier
(RFA), a power divider and two band pass
filters. The design process involved the use of
software such as ADS 2000A, Ansoft Designer
and MathCad. FET FHX76 LP is used in the
design of the LNA due to its low noise figure and
high impedance input. As for the RFA design,
FET EPA018A was used. The LNA and the
RFA used T lumped reactive element network
and microstrip line matching network. Two 3
dBπ -attenuators were inserted at the input
and output of the RFA to isolate the system
from the reflected load power. A Wilkinson
power divider is developed for two equal power
structures using impedance microstrip line
technique. Microstrip technology was used for
designing the Chebyshev filter. The result of
each module for the front end is presented.
Keywords: communication protocol,
Controller Area Front-end receiver, Low Noise
Amplifier, Radio Frequency Amplifier, Filter,
Power divider, WiMAX.
I. INTRODUCTION
A radio frequency front-end is an
important part of a receiver as it provides
the necessary gain, while introducing
minimal noise, to meet the required
signal to noise ratio (SNR). A typical RF
front-end receiver consists of low noise
amplifier (LNA), filter and mixer. The
number of circuits added in the front end
ISSN: 2180 - 1843 Vol. 2
receiver varies depending on the type of
receiver. The design complexity involves
a trade-off between noise, gain and size. A
key step in arriving at a cost effective and
timely solution is by choosing the proper
technology for the RF front-end portion
of the radio receiver. Factors considered
into making decisions were for example:
the amount of signal content to be
integrated, the application performance
requirements and the capabilities of
the chosen device. Currently, CMOS
and GaAs are both widely used devices
for many RF front end receiver design.
Questions remain over which technology
is most appropriate and the performance
trade-offs seen in migrating between
technologies. Uncertainty remains due
to differences between architectures,
system specifications and circuit designer
themselves .
With the rapid growth of wireless
communication technology, integrating
RF circuits into the front end receiver is
regarded as the solution for high system
performance while maintaining low
cost for future wireless systems. Current
wireless technology system consists of
an antenna, an indoor unit (IDU) for
baseband processing and an outdoor unit
(ODU) for RF front-end. Wireless bridge
allows communication in separated
buildings to be connected over a distance
ranging from several hundred meters to
several kilometers [1]. For point - point
or point -multipoint communication
the ODU consists of an RF front-end
circuit that has the ability to amplify the
standard input signals of -80 dBm up to
No. 2 July - December 2010 43
 review below will focus on circuit parameters required in loss and isolation facto
designing the RF front-end receiver. achieve the best overall p
performance can be achie
Journal of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer Engineering
II. IEEE 802.16 FIX STATION WIMAX STANDARD attenuators in the RFA m
overall system.
WiMAX, also known as IEEE 802.16 standard, is a
wireless digital communication system that is intended for III. RADIO FREQUEN
the required gain while minimizing the system would provide
wireless metropolitan-area a cost that
network technology effective
provides
noise figure and maintaining the desired broadband access to
interoperable broadband usersconnectivity
wireless at home,to infixed, the Recent advances in
portable and nomadic users [2]. It provides up to 50- including 1-1.8GHz cellul
bandwidth of 20 MHz. office, in areas served by wire-line Digital
kilometers of service area for fixed station and 5-15km for and 2.4-5.2GHz WLAN/H
Subscriber
mobile station. Line
It allows(DSL), cable
users to get services
broadband and
connectivity of low-cost, low-power, a
An RF front-end receiver for a WiMAX towithout
users the equipped with
need of direct line portable
of sight devices
to the base station, system [4]. In addition, t
ODU unit would have to be designed like laptops,
and provides Personal
total data rates of upDigital
to 70Mbps.Assistance
It has enough access and personal mobil
bandwidth to simultaneously support hundreds of businesses crucial and requires deve
for desired frequency, gain, bandwidth (PDAs) and smart-phones [3].
and homes with a single base station. The term WiMAX has modules capable of switch
and noise figure. The system includes RF become synonymous with the IEEE 802.16 Wireless a frequency to anothe
components such as a low noise amplifier Table 1 shows
Metropolitan the (MAN)
Area Network comparison between
air interface standard. A frequency. A currently av
(LNA), RF amplifier (RFA), power WiMAX, and its
WiMAX compliant predecessors,
system would provide athe costWLAN
effective use of different chips for d
broadband access to users at home, in the office, in areas not meet low cost low
divider and filters. In an RF front-end and Bluetooth technologies. The table
served by wire-line Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable requirement [5]. Anothe
design, the problem such as noise must compares
services and to theusersthree
equippeddifferent
with portablestandards
devices like same chip, but has an inter
be determined and reduced. Multiple inlaptops,
termPersonal
of frequencies,
Digital Assistancecommunication
(PDAs) and smart- constraint.
phones [3]. Figure 2 shows
parameters such as gain and noise in the distance, data transfer rates and number
Table 1 shows the comparison between WiMAX, and consists of an antenna c
RF components for the front-end receiver ofits users for the
predecessors, each WLAN system. It also
and Bluetooth shows
technologies. filter before passing throu
would have to be compensated. These that WiMAX
The table compares system is anstandards
the three different evolution
in term ofof
trade-offs are the challenges that RF WLAN and Bluetooth
frequencies, communication distance, datatechnologies.
transfer rates and
number of users for each system. It also shows that WiMAX
designers have to consider in getting a The frequency varies from 2.4 GHz for
system is an evolution of WLAN and Bluetooth
high performance communication system. standard
technologies. WLAN
The frequencyto 11varies
GHz fromfor2.4WiMAX
GHz for
The system developed should comply standard.
standard WLAN The to 11communication
GHz for WiMAX standard. distanceThe
with the 802.16 WiMAX standards. A for WiMAXdistance
communication can be forextended
WiMAX can be toextended
50 km.to 50
km.
review of this standard is necessary in Figure 2: Typic
order to understand the requirements Table
Table 1:1:Comparison
Comparison between
between WiMAX,
WiMAX, WLAN and After passing through an i
before designing an RF front-end receiver. WLAN Bluetooth
and Bluetooth is mixed with a local osci
Parameters 802.16a 802.11 802.15
The review below will focus on circuit an intermediate frequenc
(WiMAX) (WLAN) (Bluetooth) being further amplified th
parameters required in designing the RF Frequency 2-11 GHz 2.4 GHz Varies The signal is then split and
front-end receiver. Band produce a baseband signa
Range ~50 km (31 ~100 ~10 meters shows a direct conversion
miles) meters
Data transfer 70 Mbps 11Mbps ~ 20 Kbps ~
II. IEEE 802.16 FIX STATION sate 55Mbps 55Mbps
WIMAX STANDARD Number of Thousands Dozens Dozens
users

The minimum input sensitivity must be maintained to

WiMAX, also known as IEEE 802.16
standard, is a wireless digital The minimum
the standard of -80input
dBm. sensitivity must be
This would accommodate
amplification of signals from a distance of 50 km. A front- Figure 3: Typical D
communication system that is intended maintained to the standard of -80 dBm.
end amplifier of gain at least 30 dB is considered sufficient.
for wireless metropolitan-area network This would
The overall noise accommodate
figure should also be amplification
maintained at less The difference between d

technology that provides interoperable ofthansignals

broadband wireless connectivity to
fixed, portable and nomadic users [2]. It
provides up to 50-kilometers of service
area for fixed station and 5-15km for
mobile station. It allows users to get
broadband connectivity without the
need of direct line of sight to the base
station, and provides total data rates of
up to 70Mbps. It has enough bandwidth
to simultaneously support hundreds of
businesses and homes with a single base
station. The term WiMAX has become
synonymous with the IEEE 802.16 Wireless
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) air
interface standard. A WiMAX compliant
-10 dB forfrom a system.
the overall distance of 50 km. A heterodyne receiver is th
Since the front end system is capable of providing does not require the IR
front-end amplifier of gain at least 30 dB
higher gain and bandwidth, the tradeoffs such as insertion
is considered sufficient. The overall noise
figure should also be maintained at less2
than -10 dB for the overall system.
Since the front end system is capable of
providing higher gain and bandwidth,
the tradeoffs such as insertion loss and
isolation factor should also be considered
to achieve the best overall performance
for the system. Such performance can be
achieved by adding suitable isolators or
attenuators in the RFA module to provide
isolation for the overall system.

44 ISSN: 2180 - 1843 Vol. 2 No. 2 July - December 2010

 Parameters 802.16a 802.11 802.15 an intermediate frequency (IF). It is again filtered before
(WiMAX) (WLAN) (Bluetooth) being further amplified through a variable gain IF amplifier.
Frequency 2-11 GHz Low
2.4Noise,
GHz High Gain RF Front
Varies TheEnd Receiver
signal at 5.8GHz
is then split and mixedfor WiMAX
with a second Application
oscillator to
Band produce a baseband signal for further processing. Figure 3
Range ~50 km (31 ~100 ~10 meters shows a direct conversion receiver.
miles) meters
III. RADIO
Data transfer FREQUENCY
70 Mbps 11Mbps ~ 20 Kbps ~
sate RECEIVER ARCHITECTURE
55Mbps 55Mbps
Number of Thousands Dozens Dozens
users
Recent advances in wireless networking
technologies, including 1-1.8GHz
The minimum input sensitivity must be maintained to
cellular
the standardphone, of -80 1.9-2.2
dBm. ThisGHz wouldW-CDMA,
accommodate
and 2.4-5.2GHz
amplification of signals WLAN/HiperLAN
from a distance of 50 km. Ahave front- Figure 3: Typical Direct conversion Receiver
Figure 3: Typical Direct conversion Receiver
parameters required in urged
loss
end amplifier development
and isolation
of gainfactor
at least 30 of
should islow-cost,
dB also be considered
considered low- to
sufficient.
achieve the best
noiseoverall performance for the system.atSuch The difference between direct conversion receiver and the
power,
The overall and small-size
figure should alsomultifunctional
be maintained less
The difference
performance
than -10 dB forcanthebe overall
achieved by adding suitable isolators or
system. heterodyne receiver isbetween direct
that the direct conversion
conversion receiver
IMAX STANDARD RF system
attenuators
Since in
[4].
RFAIn
thethefront
addition,
module
end systemto providetoisolation
is capable
facilitate
for the
of providing
a receiver
does andthethe
not require heterodyne
IR filter, receiver
the RF mixer, is
an RF local
global
overall location
higher system.
gain free the
and bandwidth, access
tradeoffsand suchpersonal
as insertion that the direct conversion receiver does
802.16 standard, is a mobility, integration of these services not require the IR filter, the RF mixer, an
m that is intended for III. RADIOand
is crucial FREQUENCY
requires RECEIVER ARCHITECTURE
development of
chnology that provides
2 RF local oscillator and a channel select
connectivity to fixed,
multimode front-end modules capable of
Recent advances in wireless networking technologies, filter. The direct conversion receiver does
t provides up to 50- switching
including from
1-1.8GHz one phone,
cellular service operating
1.9-2.2 GHz W-CDMA, at a not require a down conversion circuit.
tation and 5-15km for frequency
and 2.4-5.2GHzto another service
WLAN/HiperLAN operating
have urged development at
broadband connectivity another
of low-cost, frequency.
low-power, andA currently
small-size available
multifunctional RF
ght to the base station, system
multimode[4]. In addition, to facilitatemakes
approach a global location
use free of
70Mbps. It has enough access and personal mobility, integration of these services is IV. FRONT END RECEIVER
different chips for different modes and
hundreds of businesses crucial and requires development of multimode front-end
therefore does not meet DESIGN
The term WiMAX has modules capable of switching fromlow cost low,
one service low
operating at
EE 802.16 Wireless apower
frequency and to small
another sizeservice requirement
operating at another [5]. Most of the front-end receivers developed
ir interface standard. A AnotherA currently
frequency. available approach
available multimode applies the
approach makes
were for licensed and unlicensed band of
rovide a cost effective use
sameof different
chip, chips
but hasfor different modes and therefore
an inter-mode multiple does
in the office, in areas not meet low cost low, low power and small size frequencies between 4.9 to 5.89 GHz. The
frequency relation constraint. maximum
ber Line (DSL), cable requirement [5]. Another available approach applies the oscillator and a reported
channel select gain achieved
filter. The was
direct conversion ensure a good
h portable devices like same chip, but has an inter-mode multiple frequency relation 32 dB does
receiver with not overall noise
require a down figure
conversion between
circuit. amplification. F
e (PDAs) and smart- Figure 2 shows a typical heterodyne
constraint. 1.5 to 5.8 dB [6]. The channel bandwidth amplifier is intr
receiver. It consists
Figure 2 shows a of an antenna
typical heterodyne coupled
receiver. It
varied from 20 to 800 MHz with input noise figure fo
between WiMAX, and consists
directly of antoantenna coupled directly to
a pre-selection a pre-selection
filter before IV. FRONT END RECEIVER DESIGN suitable device w
luetooth technologies. filter before passing through a low noise amplifier. sensitivity depending on the standard of input sensitivity
nt standards in term of
passing through a low noise amplifier. WLAN
Most of theand WiMAX.
front-end receivers Therefore,
developed wereitforcan be
licensed An RF amplifi
data transfer rates and concluded,
and unlicensed bandthatoffor a better
frequencies fixed
between 4.9 front-
to 5.89 additional gain
so shows that WiMAX end receiver
GHz. The maximum toreported
be developed
gain achievedthewasreceiver
32 dB with This addition of
LAN and Bluetooth overall noise figure between 1.5 to 5.8 dB [6]. The channel architecture. Sin
should provide a better overall gain and
from 2.4 GHz for bandwidth varied from 20 to 800 MHz with input sensitivity dB, the RF amp
WiMAX standard. The noise
dependingfigure
on the with sufficient
standard of WLAN bandwidth
and WiMAX. to dB and noise fig
can be extended to 50 provide
Therefore, itbetter performance
can be concluded, that for yet compliant
a better fixed front- The device
with the IEEE
end receiver 802.16 WiMAX
to be developed the receiver standard.
should provideAa based on the in
Figure 2: Typical
Figure 2: TypicalHeterodyne Receiver
Heterodyne Receiver better proposed
new overall gain architecture
and noise figurespecific
with sufficient
link Once the device
MAX, WLAN and After passing through an image rejection filter(IR) the signal bandwidth to provide better performance yet compliant with to be matched
budget is introduced. Figure
the IEEE 802.16 WiMAX standard. A new proposed
4 shows the
After
is mixed passing
with a localthrough an and
oscillator (LO) image rejection
down converted to
proposed architecture
time added isol
1 802.15 an intermediate frequency (IF). It is again filtered before architecture specific link budgetfor the new Figure
is introduced. direct4 matched 50 ohm
AN) (Bluetooth)
filter(IR) the signal is mixed with a local conversion
shows the proposedfront-end.
architecture for the new direct
being further amplified through a variable gain IF amplifier. as a buffer for t
Hz Varies oscillator
The (LO)
signal is then splitand down
and mixed withconverted to an
a second oscillator to conversion front-end. designing the am
intermediate
produce a baseband frequency (IF).
signal for further It is Figure
processing. again3 steps. No desig
~10 meters filtered
shows before
a direct conversionbeing
receiver.further amplified The design spec
s through a variable gain IF amplifier. The targeted S param
ps ~ 20 Kbps ~ Table 2 and Tab
ps 55Mbps
signal is then split and mixed with a
ns Dozens second oscillator to produce a baseband Table 2: D
signal for further processing. Figure 3
shows a direct conversion receiver. Gain dB
must be maintained to S21
would accommodate Frequency
nce of 50 km. A front- Figure 3: Typical Direct conversion Receiver Figure 4: Proposednew
new front-end receiver. NF dB
s considered sufficient.
Figure 4: Proposed front-end receiver. Matching
be maintained at less The difference between direct conversion receiver and the Technique
heterodyne receiver is that the direct conversion receiver The overall
The overallfront-end receiver
front-end receiver shoulda
should introduce
capable of providing does not require the IR filter, the RF mixer, an RF local higher gain ofa50higher
introduce dB compared
gaintoofthe
5032dB
dBcompared
reported from
eoffs such as insertion the literature review, by taking into consideration the VSWR
to the 32 dB reported from the literature
extension of communication distance of up to 50 km. To Bandwidth
maintain a noise figure of less than 10 dB for the overall MHz
2
system as recommended by IEEE 806.12 WiMAX standard Input
ISSN: 2180 - 1843 Vol. 2 No.the2 noise
Julyfigure
- December
for the 2010 45
front-end receiver should not sensitivity
exceeded -5 dB. Since the system should be capable of
offering a higher capacity of subscribers of up to 200 Table 3: Ta
Most of the front-end receivers developed were for licensed An RF amplifier is introduced in the system to provide
Most of the front-end receivers developed were for licensed An RF amplifier is introduced in the system to provide
and unlicensed band of frequencies between 4.9 to 5.89 additional gain to meet the proposed overall gain of 50 dB.
and unlicensed band of frequencies between 4.9 to 5.89 additional gain to meet the proposed overall gain of 50 dB.
GHz. The maximum reported gain achieved was 32 dB with This addition of an RF amplifier is a new introduction to the
Journal
GHz. Theof Telecommunication,
maximum reported gain Electronic
achieved wasand Computer
32 dB with This Engineering
addition of an RF amplifier is a new introduction to the
overall noise figure between 1.5 to 5.8 dB [6]. The channel architecture. Since the overall front-end gain targeted is 50
overall noise figure between 1.5 to 5.8 dB [6]. The channel architecture. Since the overall front-end gain targeted is 50
bandwidth varied from 20 to 800 MHz with input sensitivity
bandwidth varied from 20 to 800 MHz with input sensitivity dB, theRF dB, the RFamplifier
amplifier should
should provide
provide an an additional
additionalgaingainofof1515
depending
dependingon on the the
standard
standardof ofWLANWLANandandWiMAX. WiMAX. dB and noise figure less than
dB and noise figure less than 3dB. 3dB.
Therefore,
review, it can
Therefore, by betaking
it can concluded,
be concluded,thatthat
into forfor
a better
consideration fixed
a better front-
fixed the
front- system.The
Thedevice This
device alsofor
chosen
chosen acts
for the as
the RF aamplifier
bufferwas
RF amplifier for
was the
selected
selected
end receiver to be developed the receiver should provide a
extension
end receiver toofbe communication
developed the receiver distance
should provide ofa based
basedon
next the
the input
stage
on sensitivity
design.
input The
sensitivity which
which isis now
approach now atat-55 -55
taken dBm.
dBm.
betterbetter
overall gaingain and noise noisefigure
figurewith
withsufficient
sufficient Once the
thedevice
device was chosen the device
device parameter
parameterwill willhave
have
up to overall
50 km. Toand maintain a noise figure Oncedesigning
in was thechosenamplifiers
the involves a
bandwidth to provide
bandwidth better
to provide performance
better performance yetyet
compliant
compliant with
with totobebematched
matched for for maximum
maximum power power transfer.
transfer. At Atthethesame
same
of
the IEEE less
the IEEE
than
802.16802.16
10
WiMAX dB
WiMAX
for the
standard. overall
standard.A Anew
system
newproposed
proposed time
series
timeadded
of chronological
added isolation
isolation can can be provided
steps.
provided by
No design
by incorporating
incorporatinga a
as recommended
architecture specific
architecture linklink
specific bybudget
budget IEEE is 806.12
is introduced.
introduced.WiMAX
Figure is
Figure4 4 matched complete
matched 5050ohm
ohm Ȇ without
Ȇ network
network into some desired
the system.
the system. Thisgoals.
This alsoacts
also acts
standard
shows shows
the the the
proposed noise
proposed figure for
architecture
architecture forforthe
thethefront-end
new direct asThe
newdirect design
asa abuffer
buffer forthe
for specifications
the next stage
next design.for
stage design. Thethe
The low taken
approach
approach noise
takeninin
receiver
conversion
conversion should
front-end. not exceeded -5 dB. Since designing
front-end. amplifier
designingthe and theinvolves
the amplifiers
amplifiers targeted
involves aa series
series S ofofparameter
chronological
chronological
the system should be capable of offering for the LNA and RFA are showndesiredsteps.
steps. NoNo design
design is
is complete
complete without
without some
some desired
in Tablegoals.
goals.
Thedesign
designspecifications
specifications for for the
the low
low noise
noiseamplifier
amplifierand andthe
a higher capacity of subscribers of up to The 2targeted
and Table 3. the
targeted SSparameter
parameter for for the
the LNA
LNA and and RFA RFA are areshown
showninin
200 channels, the bandwidth should be Table 2 and Table 3.
Table 2 and Table 3.
800 MHz. This is double the standard Table 2: Design specifications for
Table 2: DesignLNA and RFA
400 MHz for 20 sub-carrier of 20 MHz Table 2: Design specifications for LNA and RFA
specifications for LNA and RFA
LNA RFA
each. The input sensitivity of the system LNA RFA
Gain dB > 35 > 15
should cover the minimum sensitivity of Gain
S21
dB > 35 > 15
-80 dBm. S21
Frequency 5.8 GHz 5.8 GHz
Frequency
NF dB 5.8
< 3GHz <5.8
3 GHz
Figure 4: Proposed new front-end receiver.
NF dB <Microstrip
3 Ȇ< Network
3
V. Figure
LNA AND RFA
4: Proposed new front-end receiver. Matching
Matching
& Lump &
Technique Microstrip & Lump Microstrip
reactive element Ȇ Network+ &
The overall front-end receiver should introduce a Technique reactive element Microstrip
Lump +
reactive
TheThe Low overall
Noise Amplifier (LNA) was
higher gain of 50 front-end
dB compared receiver
to theshould
32 dB introduce
reported from a Lump reactive
element
introduced
higher
thegain of 50 dB
literature incompared
review, theby front-end
to the 32
taking receiver
intodBconsideration
reported from to
the element
VSWR 1.5 1.5
the separate
literature
extension of the
review, received
by taking
communication signals
into of
distance with
up to 50noise
consideration km.theToVSWR
Bandwidth 1.5 > 1000 (5.8 GHz 1.5
>1000(5.8 GHz
for
extension aofspecific
maintain a noise figure
communication input sensitivity.
ofdistance
less thanof10updBtofor Most
50 the of
km.overall
To MHz
Bandwidth >Centre)
1000 (5.8 GHz Centre)
>1000(5.8 GHz
the
system
maintain LNA
a noise device
figure ofin
as recommended bythe
less IEEEreview
than 806.12
10 dB WiMAXcould
for only
standard
the overall Input
MHz - 80 dBm
Centre) -Centre)
55 dBm
theasnoise
system figure forbythe
recommended IEEEfront-end
806.12 receiver
WiMAX should
standard not
provide up to 20 dB gain. It was proposed sensitivity - 80 dBm
Input - 55 dBm
exceeded
the noise -5 dB.
figure for Since the systemreceiver
the front-end should be capable
should notof sensitivity
that
offering thea low noise amplifier should up have
exceeded -5 dB.higher Sincecapacity
the system of subscribers
should be ofcapable to of
200 Table 3: Targeted S Parameters for LNA and RFA
a gain
channels, ofthe at least
bandwidth 35 dB.
should
offering a higher capacity of subscribers of up to be A800budgeted
MHz. This ishigh
double
200 Table 3: Targeted S Parameters for
Table 3: Targeted S Parameters
S Parameters for LNA and RFA
gain
channels, LNA
the standard
the 400
bandwidthwillMHzensure a MHz.
for 20 sub-carrier
should be 800 good signal
of 20
This to
MHz each.
is double LNA andLNARFA RFA
The input sensitivity of the system should cover the Input return loss S11 dB -10 -10
the noise
standardseparation
400 MHz for for further amplification.
20 sub-carrier of 20 MHz each. S Parameters
Insertion Loss S dB
LNA
-10
RFA
-10
minimum sensitivity of -80 dBm. Input return loss S1211 dB -10 -10
TheForinputthis high gain
sensitivity of theofsystem 35 dB, shoulda cascaded
cover the Forward Transfer S21 35 15
amplifier
minimum sensitivityis of introduced
-80 dBm. for the LNA. At Insertion Loss S12 dB -10 -10
dB
Forward Transfer S21 35 15
the same timeV.the LNAnoiseAND RFA figure for the Output Return loss S22 -10 -10
dB
LNA should be less than 3 dB. A suitable Output
dB
V.Noise
LNA AND RFA Noise Return lossdB
Figure NF S22* <-10
3 <-10
3
device The with Low
superAmplifierlow noise(LNA) was introduced in
parameter dB MHz
the front-end receiver to separate the received signals with Bandwidth >1000 >1000
and
noiseThe
required
forLow
input
Noise Amplifier
a specific
sensitivity
(LNA) was
input sensitivity. Most
should
introduced
of the LNAin Noise Figure NF dB * <3 <3
the therefore
front-end
device in receiver be to
the review selected
separate
could forreceived
onlythe
provide theup toLNA.
signals AnIt
with
20 dB gain. Bandwidth MHz VI. BANDPASS>1000
FILTER >1000
RF
noisewasforamplifier
a specific
proposed istheintroduced
thatinput sensitivity.
low in the
Most
noise amplifier of system
the
should LNA
have a
to
device
gaininprovide
the
of at least additional
review could
35 dB.only gain
provide
A budgeted to20
uphigh
to meet
dBLNA
gain the
gain. It
will VI. BANDPASS FILTER
wasproposed
proposed thatoverall the low noise gainamplifier
of 50should dB. haveThis a
gain of at least 35 dB. A budgeted high gain LNA will 3 VI. BANDPASS FILTER
addition of an RF amplifier is a new
introduction to the architecture. Since Two bandpass filters with center
the overall front-end gain targeted is 50 3 frequencies 5.75 GHz and 5.85 GHz were
dB, the RF amplifier should provide an required. Each of these filters should have
additional gain of 15 dB and noise figure a bandwidth of least 100 MHz. These filters
less than 3dB. are required to separate the signal into
two main channels with four subchannels.
The device chosen for the RF amplifier Filter design methods include image
was selected based on the input sensitivity parameter method and insertion loss
which is now at -55 dBm. Once the device method. Image parameter method is
was chosen the device parameter will featured by master-slave configuration of
have to be matched for maximum power simple 2-port filters to represent cut-off
transfer. At the same time added isolation frequency and attenuation characteristic.
can be provided by incorporating a Specific frequency response over the
matched 50 ohm Π network into the entire operating range is not taken into

46 ISSN: 2180 - 1843 Vol. 2 No. 2 July - December 2010

 Low Noise, High Gain RF Front End Receiver at 5.8GHz for WiMAX Application

consideration. Therefore, design by image VIII. DESIGN AND

parameter method is comparatively SIMULATION
simple but the same process must be
repeated several times to get desired Low noise amplifier was design based on
Two bandpass filters with center frequencies 5.75 GHz FHX76LP. The S parameter for the FET is shown in Table
result. On the other hand, insertion [7] and [8] listed in previous section. The
and 5.85 GHz were required. Each of these filters should 4. These parameters were measured at VDD = 2 V and IDS =
loss amethod
have bandwidth applies
of least 100 network
MHz. These synthesis FET chosen for the design is FHX76LP.
filters are 10 mA which sets the biasing for the FET.
technique
required to design
to separate the signal a into
filtertwowith desiredwith The S parameter for the FET is shown in
main channels
frequency
four subchannels.response.
Filter design In other
methods words,
include theimage TableTable4.4:These parameters
S-parameter wereFHX76LP
from Transistor measured datasheet
insertion
parameter loss method
Two method
bandpass and with synthesizes,
filters insertion
centerloss method.
frequencies band
5.75 GHz at
Image VDD = 2The
FHX76LP. V Sand IDS =for
parameter 10the
mA FETwhich
is shownsets the
in Table
parameter
and 5.85method is featured byEach
master-slave should biasing
configuration for the were S11 measuredS12
FET. at VDD = 2SV21and IDS =S22
pass filterGHz bywere required.
converting of these filters
prototype a low 4. These parameters
have a 2-port
of simple bandwidth
filtersof toleast 100 MHz.
represent These
cut-off filters are
frequency 10 Freq 5.8 GHz
mA which sets the0.712 0.065
biasing for the FET. 8.994 0.237
pass filter
required normalized
to separate the signal with
into two reference
main channels toand
attenuation characteristic. Specific frequency responsewith
over Table Angle -86.54 33.878 178.663 10.456
impedance
Twothe
bandpass
four and
filters with frequency
center [7]. into5.75
frequencies Table4:
GHzimageFHX76LP.
S-parameter
4:The
S-parameter fromfrom
S parameter
Transistor
Transistor FHX76LP
for the FET
FHX76LP
datasheet
is shown in Table
entiresubchannels.
operating Filter
range isdesign
not methods
taken include
consideration. datasheet
parameter
and 5.85Therefore,
GHz method and
were design
required. insertion loss method. Image4. These parameters were measured at VDD = 2 V and IDS =
byEach image of these filters
parameter should
method is The overall Sperformance S12 of the Slow noiseSamplifier is
Chebyshev
parameter of
have a comparatively
bandwidth (equal-ripple)
method
leastisbutfeatured
100 filter filters
by master-slave generates
configuration10 mA which 11 21 22
simple theMHz. These
same process must be are
repeated Freq determined sets thecalculating
5.8 GHz by 0.712
biasing forthe
the FET.
0.065 transducer
8.994 gain
0.237GT, noise
some of
required several
to separatedegree
simple
times
2-port of desired
thetosignal
get ripple
filters to at
represent
into tworesult.mainpass
cut-off band
channels
On but
frequency
the with
other
and
hand, figure
attenuation characteristic. Specific frequency response over AngleF and -86.54
the input 33.878
and output standing10.456
178.663 wave ratios,
shows
four subchannels.
insertion excellent
lossFilter
method cut-off
design
applies methods
networkcharacteristics
include
synthesis imageat toTable 4: S-parameter from Transistor FHX76LP datasheet
technique
the entire operating range is not taken into consideration. VSWRIN and VSWROUT. The optimum, ī opt and ī L were
parameterstop
design band.
methoda filterand
Therefore, Since
design the
withinsertion
desired critical
by image frequency design
loss parameter
method.
response. factor
Image
In other
method is The overall performance of the low noise amplifier is
parameterinmethod
this
words, design
the isinsertion
featuredis aloss
byfast cut-off
method
butmaster-slave characteristic
synthesizes,
must beband
configuration pass The obtained as ī Sopt11 = 17.354S12+j 50.131S21and ī =S2279.913-
comparatively simple the same process repeated overall
determined performance
by calculating of thegain
the transducer lowGT,noise
Lnoise

of simpleat2-port
stop
filter band,
by converting
several filters
times totothis filter
prototype
represent
get waslow chosen.
a result.
desiredcut-off pass
On filter
frequency At hand, Freq
this
normalized
and
the other 5.8 GHz 0.712 0.065 8.994wave 0.237
amplifier
j7.304. Theiscalculated
figure F and thedetermined
input and forby
gainoutput calculating
thestanding
LNA was thewhich
19.3ratios,
dB,
with
attenuation reference
insertion losstomethod
characteristic.
frequencies aimpedance
Specific
microstrip and
applies frequency
network
frequency [7]. technique
linesynthesis
response
filter, over to VSWR
which Angle
correspond -86.54
to . The33.878
a noise figure of 178.663
ī0.301 ī 10.456
and dB. The input
design
Chebyshev a filter with desired
(equal-ripple) frequency
filter response.
generates some In degree
other transducer
IN gainOUTG , noise figure
and VSWR , opt F and the
optimum
T
were L
the entireallow
operating range
implementation is not taken ofintosynthesizes,
consideration.
both compact
of words,
ripple the
at insertion
pass bandloss but
method shows excellent pass input
bandcut-off matching
obtained and
as load
ī opt =ī17.354
output opt is standing
required
+j 50.131toand wave
provide ratios,
ī L =high-loaded
79.913- Q
Therefore,size design integration
by image parameter method For is
filterandby converting
characteristics at stop prototype
band. wasa low
Since thepreferred.
pass filterdesign
critical normalized
factor
The
VSWR
factor
j7.304.
overall
for
The
performance
and
better
calculated VSWR
sensitivity.
gain for
ofA the
the . low noise
The
T-network
LNA was was
19.3
amplifier
optimum,
used
dB, to
which
is
match
comparatively withsimple buttothe same process must be repeated determined INby calculating theOUT
this project,
reference aimpedance
coupled line
and frequency Chebychev
[7]. theand
input T
band, this Tcorrespond to were
a noise obtained
impedance [8].
figureThetransducer
as Topt
ofelements
0.301 ofgain
dB. =The GT, noise
17.354
T-network
inputcan be
several in this
times design getisdesired
toChebyshev a fast cut-off
result.
(equal-ripple)
characteristic
On
filter the
at stophand,
other
generates some degreefigure opt F and the L input and output standing wave ratios,and
filterwas
filter was selected.
chosen. At this frequencies a microstrip line filter, +j realized
50.131
matching in and
load the form
ī T
is =
requiredof 79.913-
lump
to reactive
provide j7.304.elements
high-loadedTheQ
insertion loss of method
ripple applies
at pass network
band but synthesis
shows technique
excellent to cut-offVSWR and VSWR opt
which allow implementation of both compact size and microstrip line OUT . LThe optimum
impedance. , ī opt
The and ī L matching
resultant were
design a filter with desired frequency response. In other
characteristics at stop band. Since the critical design factor calculated
IN
factor for bettergain for
sensitivity. the
A LNA
T-network was
was 19.3
used to dB,
match
integration was preferred. For this project, a coupled line component values[8]. are The
given in Table 5.
words, the ininsertion
this designlossis a fast
methodcut-offsynthesizes,
characteristic at bandstop pass whichas correspond
the
band, thisobtained input ī opt = 17.354 to
impedance a noise
elements
+j 50.131 of and figure
T-network can of
be
ī L = 79.913-
Chebychev
filter wasfilter wasAtselected.
filter by VII. POWER DIVIDER
chosen. this frequencies a microstrip realized in the form of lump reactive elements
line filter, 0.301 and
converting prototype a low pass filter normalized j7.304. ThedB. The
Table
calculated input
5: LNA
gain matching
forAmplifiers
the LNA load
Parameters
was 19.3 TdB,
opt
is
which
which allow implementation of both compact size and microstrip line impedance. The resultant matching
with reference to impedance
integration
and
VII. POWER
was preferred.
frequency D [7].
IVIDER required
a coupled linecorrespond
componenttovaluesto provide
a noiseare given figure high-loaded Q factor
of 5.0.301 dB. The input
in Table
Power divider a For
isfilter this
passive project,
microwave for betterload īsensitivity.
ChebyshevChebychev(equal-ripple)
filter was selected. generates some degree Components A T-network Values was Q
device used to divide input power to matching opt is required to provide high-loaded
of ripple atPower passdivider
band is but showsmicrowave
a passive excellentdevice cut-off used to used to Table match 5: LNA the LAmplifiers 3.60 nH
1 input Parameters
impedance [8].
moreinput
characteristics
divide atthan
stoppowertwo
band. output
Since
toVII.
more Pthan
OWER ports
the critical
DIVIDER
two with
design
output lower
portsfactor
with lower factor for better sensitivity.
The elements
L2 A T-network
of T-network
0.88 was
cannH
nH used to match
be realized
power a level depending on atthe L 0.67
ofnumber of as
in this design islevel fastdepending
cut-off characteristic stop band, Components Values
the input impedance [8]. The elements of T-network can be
power on the number outputthis ports in the form of lump
3
L1 L4 reactive nHelements
0.75 nH elements andand
output
filter wasshown
chosen. Power
in portsdivider
At this
Figure is a passive
as shown
4.frequencies ain microwave
Figureline
microstrip device
4. used torealized in the form
filter, of lump3.60reactive
divide input power to more than two output ports with lowermicrostrip microstrip line
line impedance.
Limpedance.
2 C1 nHThe
0.880.5012 pFresultant
ThenHresultant matching
which allow implementation of both compact size and L3 C B 0.67 7.5 pF
power level depending on the number of output ports as matching component values
integration was preferred. For this project, a coupled line component values are given L4 in Table
0.755. nH are given in
shown in Figure 4. Table
Chebychev filter was selected. With 5. C1
these components, the 0.5012 pF circuit for the single
schematic
C 7.5 pF
Tableis5:shown
stage LNA LNA B
Amplifiers
in Figure 5. Parameters
This circuit was redrawn
VII. POWER DIVIDER Table 5: LNA
using Amplifiers
With these components,Ansoft
and simulated Parameters
Designer
the schematic to fine
circuit for tune and further
the single
stage LNA is Components
optimization for a better
shown in Figure Values
performance.
5. This circuit was redrawn
Power divider is Figure 4: 4:
Figure
a passive Power
PowerDivider
microwave Divider
device used to and simulated using LAnsoft
1 3.60
Designer nH tune and further
to fine
L2 performance.
optimization for a better 0.88 nH
divide input power to more than two output ports with lower
A power divider is ideally a lossless reciprocal device
L3 0.67 nH
A power
power level
which can alsodivider
depending on Figure 4:isPower
the vector
perform number ideally
Divider
of output
summation aofports
lossless
two oras more
L4 0.75 nH
reciprocal
FigureA
shown insignals and device
4.power
thus divider iswhich
is sometimes acan
ideallycalled aalso
lossless perform
reciprocal
power deviceor
combiner C 0.5012 pF 1
which For
can also
this perform vector
vector
summer. summation project of twosummation
or more
a Wilkinson of two
power or more
signals
divider
signals and thus is sometimes called a power combiner or
was CB 7.5 pF
adopted.
and A Wilkinson
thusForisthissometimes power divider
called has loss-free
a divider
power
summer. project a Wilkinson power was
characteristics when output port was coupled. Moreover,
combiner
adopted. AorWilkinson
summer. For divider
power this project a With
has loss-free these components, the schematic circuit for the single
With
twocharacteristics
output ports are
Wilkinson power
isolated
when and
divider
output rarely
port was interferes
was
each
adopted.
coupled. other.
Moreover, stage LNA these
is shown components,
in Figure 5. Thisthe schematic
circuit was redrawn
Figure 5: The schematic circuitisfor single stage
two output ports are isolated and rarely interferes each other.and simulated using Ansoft Designer to fine tuneshown
Wilkinson power dividers are classified into several types circuit for the single stage LNA and further
A Wilkinson powerofdivider has loss-free in Figure amplifier
for5.a better
depending on power
the number output ports or power
severaldivision
typesoptimization FigureThis
5: Thecircuit
schematic was
circuitredrawn and
for single stage
Wilkinson dividers are classified into performance.
characteristics
ratiodepending
[7]. when output port was amplifier
on the number of output ports or power division simulated using Ansoft Designer to fine
Figure 4: Power Divider
coupled.
ratio [7]. Moreover, two output ports are tune The
andRF
further optimization
amplifier for aonbetter
was designed based [6] and [7]
A power divider
isolated is ideally
and rarelya lossless reciprocal
interferes eachdevice
other. performance. The in
listed RFprevious
amplifiersection.
was designed based on
The design [6] and
of the RF [7]
amplifier
which can also perform VIII.vector
DESIGN AND SIMULATION
summation of two or more
Wilkinson power VIII. DESIGNdividers are classified
AND SIMULATION
listed in previous
follows the samesection. The design
procedure used inofdesigning
the RF amplifier
the LNA [6].
signals and thus isnoise
sometimes
amplifiercalled a power combiner
on [7] or
intoLowLow
several typeswas
noise section.
amplifier was
design
depending
design
based
onon
basedfor
and [8] follows the same procedure used in designing the LNA [6].
the[8]
[7] design
and Using theoretical design equations for the RFA, the
summer.listed
For inthisprevious
project The
a Wilkinson FET chosen
power the
divider was is Using theoretical design equations for the RFA, the
number
listed in of output
previous ports
section. or power
The FET chosen fordivision
the design is equations are computed using MathCad. The FET chosen
equations are computed using MathCad. The FET chosen
adopted. A Wilkinson power divider has loss-free
ratio [7].
characteristics when output port was coupled. Moreover,
two output ports are isolated and rarely interferes each other. 4
4
Wilkinson power dividers are classified into several types Figure 5: The schematic circuit for single stage
depending on the number of output ISSN:ports
2180or- 1843 Vol. 2 No. 2 July - December
power division amplifier
2010 47
ratio [7].
 confirmed the the
calculated Thetofirst step
calculated stability factor.
The The calculated The first step
1
CB 7.5 pF confirmed stability factor. calculated design a
transducer power
transducer gain
power gainfor
for matched condition
matched condition was was
16.2816.28 the orderthe
dB. dB. of order of that
the filter the
With these components, the schematic circuit for the single The The application
application system based syste
on
Journal of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer Engineering input matching for optimum optī opt and ī L were
input matching for optimum ī and ī were
this project,
this the filter shoul
L
stage LNA is shown in Figure 5. This circuit was redrawn project, the
obtained as ī opt = 12.662 +j 38.168 and ī = 79.97- required specification for WiM
and simulated using Ansoft Designer to fine tune and further obtained as ī opt = 12.662 +j 38.168 and ī = 79.97- required
L
specific
j7.286. The noise figure calculated is 2.475 dB. L specification for this bandpas
optimization for a better performance.
j7.286. The noise figure calculated is 2.475 dB. below specification for
Table 7: Calculated and Simulated Results
Table 7: Calculated and Simulated Results for Designed RF for below
reciprocal device Designed
Table 7: Calculated RF Amplifier
Amplifier
and Simulated Results for Designed RF
Table 9: Bandpass filt
on of two or more S Parameters Targeted Calculated and Filter Specification
Amplifier Table 9:
Center Frequency
ower combiner or RFA Simulated values
S Parameters Targeted Calculated and Filter Sp
Filter Type
ower divider was Input reflection S11 dB -10 -8.03
er has loss-free Center
Insertion Loss S21 F
Return Loss S12 dB
RFA
-10
Simulated
-21.45
values Stopband Attenuation
oupled. Moreover, Filte
Input reflection
Forward S11SdB
Transfer -10 15.31-8.03 Bandwidth
erferes each other. 21 dB 15 Insertio
Figure 5:5:The schematic circuitcircuit
for single stage Ripple
into several types Figure The schematic Output Reflection
Return Loss S12loss
dBS22 dB -10
-10 -7.85-21.45 Stopband
or power division for singleamplifier
stage amplifier Noise Figure NF dB * <3 2.47 Band
Forward Transfer S21 dB 15 15.31
For the filter design, the
Bandwidth MHz >1000 >1000 decided based on the specific Ri
The RF amplifier was designed based
The RF amplifier was designed based on [6] and [7] Output Reflection loss S 22 dB -10 -7.85 order of the filter can be
listed in previous section. The design of the RF amplifier
TION on [6] and [7] listed in previous section. The RF
Noise amplifier
Figure NF dB can also
* act as an<3 isolator for the overall
2.47 normalized frequency versus
follows the same procedure used in designing the LNA [6].
ed on [7] and [8] The design of the RF amplifier follows The RF system
front-end amplifier
and a suitablecan also with
Ȇ-network act50 Ƿasloadanthe order of the Forfilter,
the the
filter
de
Using theoretical design equations for the RFA, the Bandwidth
impedance MHz
was inserted at the >1000
input and output of >1000
the with determination of norma
decided based on
n for the design is the same procedure used in designing
equations are computed using MathCad. The FET chosen isolator for the overall front-end system
amplifier to provide a 3 dB attenuation each for the network. converting the normalized pa
order of the fil
the LNA [6]. Using theoretical design Theand TheaRF
RF
suitable Π-network
amplifier component
amplifier
with thewith 50 Ώ load
3 dB attenuation
can also act as an isolator for the overall
is equivalent circuit model and
normalized frequ
impedance was inserted at the input and
shown in Table 8.
4equations for the RFA, the equations front-end system and a suitable Ȇ-network with 50 Ƿ load A simulation
and odd mode of the impedan
the ordermethod of thew
are computed using MathCad. The FET impedance was Table output of the amplifier to provide
8: RF Amplifier parameters
inserted
a 3 dB
at the input and output of controller the with was added. When t
determinati
chosen for the design is EPA018A. The S amplifier attenuation
to provideeach a 3 LdB for
Components theValues
attenuation network.
each for the Thedata collected
network.
can be viewed
converting
7.21 nH data can be displayed the
in diffn
parameter given for the FET is shown in TheRFRFamplifier component with the 3 dBforis complex
1
amplifier component with analyses.circui
If
L2 2.65the
nH 3 dB attenuationreaching equivalent
forTable 6. These
the design parameters
is EPA018A. were measured
The S parameter attenuation
given for theshown in Table 8. is shown C1R5 in Table 616.27
0.30pF 8. Ÿ the performance requ
parameterand is odd modefor
identified of
FET is shown in Table 6. These parameters
at VDD = 2 V and IDS = 10 mA which sets the were measured L 3R 6 0.67 616.27
nH Ÿ schematic circuit is shown i
A simulatio
at VDD = 2 V and IDS = 10 mA which sets the biasing for the Table
Table8: 8:
RFRFAmplifier
L4C Amplifier parameters
0.75parameters
nH
7.50pF optimized and the simulated S
biasing for the FET. This transistor biasing B controller was ad
the filter was shown in Figur
FET. This transistor biasing circuit is similar with the LNA R1 8.17 Ÿ datait collected ca
circuit is similar with the LNA amplifier. Components Values parameters, was observed
R 8.17 Ÿ
amplifier. Figure 6 shows the Lschematic
1
2
circuit
7.21 nH with data
for RF amplifierinsertion loss wascan-6.69
be disp
dB a
R3 616.27 Ÿ was -15.16 dB. These param
associated component LR2 4and the 3 8.17
dB
2.65attenuator
Ÿ nH resistors.since thefor complex an
required specificatio
Table 6: S Parameters of EPA018 A
Table 6: S Parameters of EPA018 A reaching the perf
S11 S12 S21 S22 C1 0.30pF parameter is id
Freq. 5.8 GHz 0.728 0.049 6.327 0.237 L3 0.67 nH 5 schematic circui
L4 0.75 nH optimized and the
Angle -103.02 25.88 89.98 10.456
R1 8.17 Ÿ the filter was sho
parameters, it w
Gain, noise figure, input and output matching components R2 8.17 Ÿ insertion loss wa
Gain,
were noiseandfigure,
calculated simulated input using MathCadand output and ADS R3 616.27 Ÿ was -15.16 dB.
matching
2005A. components
Both calculated and simulated were calculated
results were almost R4 8.17 Ÿ since the require
and simulated
for thesimilar.
design isHence
EPA018A. Tableusing 7 lists
The MathCad
both thegiven
S parameter and for ADS
calculatedthe and R5 616.27 Ÿ
2005A.
FET issimulated
shown Both
inresults
Table for calculated
6. the
These amplifier.and
RF parameters Thewere simulated
stability
measuredfactor as Figure 6: Schematic circuit for RF amplifier
R6 616.27 Ÿ
is 0.989. This showed a clear tendency 5
at VDD =results
2 V and Iwere almost similar.forHence
DS = 10 mA which sets the biasing for the
oscillationTablewhich
Cdesign 7.50pFfilter is to determine
confirmed
for the the
design calculated
is EPA018A. stability
The S factor.
parameter The
givencalculated
for the The first step to B a bandpass
FET. This 7 lists
transistorboth the circuit
biasing calculated is similar and withsimulated
the LNA R 5 616.27 Ÿ
transducer
FET is shown poweringain Tablefor6.matched conditionwere
These parameters 16.28 dB. the order of the filter
was measured R6 that can 616.27 workŸ efficiently in the
amplifier.results
at Vinput
for the RF amplifier. The stability Figure 6 shows
application the
system schematic
based oncircuit
their for RF amplifier
design specification. withIn
The DD = 2 matching
V and IDS = for 10 mA which setsīthe and
optimum biasingīforwere
the C 7.50pF
factor
FET. Thisas is 0.989.
transistor biasingThiscircuit isshowed opt
similar with a the
clear
L Figure
LNA associated 6 shows
component
this project, the filter the
and
B
the schematic
3 dB be
should attenuator
designedcircuit
resistors. for the
to fulfill
Table as 6: SforParameters
12.662 of +j EPA018 A confirmed
ī L = 79.97- RF amplifier
tendency
obtained
amplifier. ī opt =oscillation which
38.168 and required
Figure the with
specification
6 shows forassociated
schematic WiMAX component
circuit forapplication.
RF amplifier Thewithdesign
S S S S22 The and thecomponent
3 dB forattenuator
the The
j7.286. calculated 11
noise figure calculatedstability
12 21
is 2.475 factor.
dB. specification
associated this the 3 dBresistors.
andbandpass filter is shown
attenuator resistors.in Table 9
Freq. 5.8 GHz Table
calculated0.728 transducer 0.049 of6.327
6: S Parameters EPA018 0.237
power A
gain for below
Angle -103.02 S11
25.88 S1289.98 S2110.456S22
matched
Table 7: Calculated
Freq. 5.8 GHz
condition
and Simulated
0.728
was 16.28
Results
0.049
dB.
for Designed
6.327
The
0.237
RF
Amplifier Table 9: Bandpass filter design specification
input
Gain, noise matching
Angle
figure, input and for
-103.02 optimum
output 25.88
matching Tcomponents
89.98 and T
opt 10.456 L
S Parameters Targeted Calculated and Filter Specification Value
were obtained
were calculated and simulated using as T opt
= 12.662
MathCad and ADS +j 38.168 Center Frequency 5.75 GH
and
Gain, T noise=figure,
79.97- inputj7.286. RFA
The Simulated values
resultsnoise figure
and output matching components
2005A. Both calculated
L and simulated were almost Filter Type Chebyshev
were calculated and simulated using MathCad and ADS
similar. calculated
Hence Tableis 7S2.475
Input reflection dB dB.
11lists both -10 the calculated-8.03 and Insertion Loss S21 <-10 dB
2005A. Both calculated and simulated results were almost
simulatedsimilar.
results
Returnfor LosstheSRF amplifier. The
12 dB 7 lists both -10 stability factor
-21.45 asand Figure 6: Schematic
Stopband Attenuation circuit for 25 RF
dB amplifier
@ 5.85 GHz
Hence Table the calculated
is 0.989. simulated
This showed resultsa clear
for tendency for oscillation which Figure Bandwidth
6: Schematic circuit for RF 100 MHz
amplifier
Forward Transfer S21the
dBRF amplifier. 15 The stability factor as
15.31 Figure 6: Schematic
The first step Ripple circuit
to design a bandpass filter for RF amplifier
confirmedis 0.989.
the calculated
This showed stability factor. for
a clear tendency Theoscillation
calculated which 0.5isdBto determine
Output
transducer Reflection
power
confirmed gain
the for S22 dBstability
lossmatched
calculated -10factor.
condition wasThe 16.28-7.85
dB. the order
calculated of the
The first step filter
to design thata bandpass
can work filterefficiently
is to determinein the
transducer power gain
The
dB. application
firstsystem
the order ofstep to design
the based
filter on can
that a work
their bandpass
design filter
specification.
efficiently in theis In
The input Noise Figure
matching NF for *for matched<3
dB optimum īcondition
and was
ī 16.28
2.47
were
opt L to determine
For
application the filter
system the
basedorder
design, on the of
n
theirth
the
order
ī L were this project, the filter should be designed to fulfillInthe
design filter
of thethat
filter
specification. can
was first
TheBandwidth
input matching MHz for optimum >1000 ī opt and >1000
obtained as ī opt = 12.662 +j 38.168 and ī L = 79.97- required work
this
decided efficiently
project,
basedthe on
specification filter
thein
for the application
should
specification
WiMAX showntoinsystem
be designed
application. fulfill the
Tabledesign
The 9. The
obtained as ī opt = 12.662 +j 38.168 and ī L = 79.97- required specification for WiMAX application. Theplotting
j7.286.The
TheRF noise figure can calculated based
order of
specification on the their
for this design
filterbandpass
can be filter specification.
determineis shownfrom in design
In the
Table 9
j7.286.amplifier also actisas
2.475 dB.
anis isolator
2.475 dB.for the overallbelow specification
normalized for this bandpass
frequency versus filter is shownAfter
attenuation. in Table 9
determine
The noise figure calculated this
below
project, the filter should be designed
front-end system and a suitable Ȇ-network with 50 Ƿ load the order of the filter, the design work of the filter begin
Table 7: Calculated and Simulated
Table 7: Calculated Results
and Simulated for Designed
Results foroutput
DesignedRF RF to fulfill the required specification
impedance was inserted at the input and of the with determination of normalized parameter values then
Amplifier Table
Table9:9:Bandpass
Bandpass filter designspecification
filter design specification
amplifier to provide a 3 dBAmplifier attenuation each for the network. converting the normalized parameter into lumped element
S ParametersS Parameters Targeted Targeted Calculated
Calculated and and Filter
FilterSpecification
Specification Value
Value
The RF amplifier component with the 3 dB attenuation is equivalent circuit model and determination of even mode
48 in Table 8. ISSN: Center
Center -Frequency
Frequency 2010 5.75GH
5.75 GH
shown RFA2180 - 1843
RFASimulated Simulated Vol.
values 2 No.and
values 2 odd July
mode December
of the impedances.
Filter
FilterType
Type Chebyshev
Chebyshev
Input reflection
Input reflection S11 dB S11 dB -10 -10 -8.03-8.03 A simulation method was selected and simulation
Table 8: RF Amplifier parameters Insertion
Insertion
controller was Loss Loss SS21
added. When the simulation
21 <-10
<-10dBdBis finished, the
tability factor as Figure 6: Schematic circuit for RF amplifier
scillation which
The calculated The first step to design a bandpass
Low Noise, filter is toGain
High determine
RF Front End Receiver at 5.8GHz for WiMAX Application
n was 16.28 dB. the order of the filter that can work efficiently in the than -10 dB and reflection loss was more than -10 dB. The The power divider
application system based on their design specification. In than -10 dBwas
bandwidth andmeasured
reflectionabout
loss 107 more than -10 dB. The The power divider
wasMHz.
and ī L were 10.
t bandwidth was measured about 107 MHz. 10.
this project, the filter should be designed to fulfill the
ī L = 79.97- for specification
required WiMAX forapplication.
WiMAX application.The The design
design Table 10: P
Table 10: P
specification
specification for this for this filter
bandpass bandpass
is shown filter is 9 than -10 dB and reflection loss was more than -10 dB. The The power
in Table Power div
divider
dB. Power div
specificat
belowshown in Table 9 below bandwidth was measured about 107 MHz. 10. specificat
Frequency R
or Designed RF Frequency R
Type
Table
Table9:9:Bandpass filterdesign
Bandpass filter design specification
specification TableType
10: P
Structur
Power div
Structur
Calculated and Filter Specification Value Insertion L
specificatL
Insertion
Center Frequency 5.75 GH Return L
Frequency
Simulated values Return LR
Filter Type Chebyshev Input Return
FigureFigure
7: Complete
Figure
7: Completebandpass filter
7: Complete bandpass filter
bandpass filter circuit
circuit
circuit
Type
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-8.03 Insertion Loss S21 <-10 dB Structur
The comp
-21.45 Stopband Attenuation 25 dB @ 5.85 GHz Insertion
The comp L
parameters was sho
Bandwidth 100 MHz parametersReturn L
was sho
15.31 simulated paramete
Figure 7: Complete bandpass filter circuit Input
simulated Return
paramete
Ripple 0.5 dB targeted values. A
-7.85 targeted values. A
was simulated as sh
was simulated as sh
The comp
2.47 parameters was sho
For
For thethefilterfilter the nth order
design,design, theof nthe order of
th filter was first Table 11: Compa
Table 11: Compa
>1000 simulated paramete
decided param
the filter was first decided inbased
based on the specification shown Table 9.onThe param
targeted values.
Power divider
A
ordertheof specification
the filter can beshown determine Figure 8: Simulation Filter Response
in Table 9. Thethe
from plotting Figure 8: Simulation Filter Response
Figure 8: Simulation Filter Response
wasPower
simulated
specification
as sh
divider
r for the overall normalized frequency versus attenuation. After determine specification
order of the filter can be determine from The comparison between targeted and simulated Frequency Range
with 50 Ƿ load the order of the filter, the design work of the filter begin The comparison between targeted and simulated Table 11: Compa
Frequency Range
output of the
plotting the normalized frequency versus parameters result for band pass filter is shown Table 10.
The comparison
parameters result for band between targeted
pass filter is shown Table 10. and
Type
Type param
with determination of normalized parameter values then Structure
for the network. attenuation. After determine the order
converting the normalized parameter into lumped element simulated
Table 10: parameters
Figure 8: Simulation
Comparison result
Filter
Parameters for filter
Response
for Bandpass band Power divider
Structure
Table 10: Comparison Parameters for Bandpass filter
B attenuation is of thecircuit
equivalent filter,model
the design work ofofthe
and determination evenfilter
mode pass
Filterfilter is shown
Specification Table
Targeted Value10. Simulated
specification
Insertion Loss S21
Filter Specification Targeted Value
The comparison between targeted andValue Simulated simulated FrequencyLoss
Insertion Range
S21
begin with determination
and odd mode of the impedances. of normalized parameters result for band pass filter is shown Table Value 10. Return Loss S12,
Center Frequency 5.75 GHz 5.75 GHz ReturnType
Loss S ,
parameter
A simulation values method was thenselected
converting the
and simulation Table
Center 10: Comparison
Frequency 5.75 GHz Parameters 5.75 for
GHz S13,S31 12
Structure
S13,S31
Filter Type Chebyshev Chebyshev
ers normalized
controller was added. parameter
When the simulation into is finished,
lumpedthe Table
Filter10: Bandpass
Comparison
Type filter
Parameters
Chebyshev for Bandpass filter
Chebyshev Input Return Loss
Input Return Loss
Insertion Loss S21 <10 dB 3.0 dB S11
data element
collected can be viewed in circuit
data display window.and The Filter Specification
Insertion Loss S21 Targeted
<10 dBValue Simulated
3.0 dB
equivalent model Stopband 25 dB @ 5.85 75 dB @ 5.85
Value
Insertion
S11Loss S21
data can be displayed in different format and manipulated Stopband 25 dB @ 5.85 75 dB @ 5.85 Return Loss S12,
determination of even mode
for complex analyses. If the simulation result is not and odd Attenuation
Center Frequency
Attenuation
GHz
5.75
GHz GHz
GHz
5.75
GHzGHz S13,S31
mode Bandwidth 100 MHz 102 MHz
reaching the of the impedances.
performance requirements, a new component or Filter Type
Bandwidth Chebyshev
100 MHz Chebyshev
102 MHz Input Return Loss
Ripple 0.5 dB 0.5 dB
parameter is identified for optimization. The complete Insertion Loss S21
Ripple <10 dB
0.5 dB 3.0
0.5 dB S11
schematic circuit is shown
A simulation method in Figure
was 7.selected
The circuit and was Stopband 25 dB @ 5.85 75 dB @ 5.85
Two forms of power dividers were generally
optimized and the simulated S parameter output response for Attenuation
Two forms of powerGHzdividers were GHz generally
simulation
the filter was showncontroller
in Figure 8. was added.
Referring WhenS-
to simulated
constructed by cascading two-way dividers. These 2-way
Bandwidth
constructed 100 MHz dividers. 102
by cascading two-way MHz
These 2-way
the simulation is atfinished, the datathe dividers were typically either terminated 180° hybrid (for
parameters, it was observed 5.75 GHz frequency dividersRipple
were typically either 0.5terminated
dB 180°0.5 dB (for
hybrid
RF frequency units) or Wilkinson or tapered line dividing
collected
insertion loss wascan -6.69bedBviewed
and the in data
related display
reflection loss RF frequency units) or Wilkinson or tapered line dividing
structures (for microwave frequency devices). N-way
was window.
-15.16 dB. These The data parameters
can be values are acceptable
displayed in structures
Two forms
dividersforms
(for microwave
are devicesof
of powerfrequency
whichpower
dividers devices). N-way
were generally
split signalsdividers
in ways that are not
since the required specification for insertion loss was less Two
dividers
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by cascading split signals in waysThese
dividers. were
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2N. M/A-COM
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incorporate proprietary and patented circuit
complex analyses. If the simulation dividers
RF frequency
way that incorporate
dividers. units)These proprietary
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or tapered circuit
line dividing
dividers were
Figure 9:
Figure 9:
designs. Although power dividers could be composed of 90°
5 result is not reaching the performance designs.
structuresAlthough
typically
hybrids, the either
power dividers
(for microwave
term “power
could bedevices).
frequency
terminated
divider” normally
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180°
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hybrid
refers to a
hybrids,
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(for RF frequency units) oror Wilkinson
device that splits
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offers signal
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of two
3-way andmore
otherinN-way
phase
parameter is identified for optimization. outputs [7].
oroutputs
tapered
dividers [7]. linethe dividing
that incorporate proprietary structures
and patented circuit (for
In this paper, entire receiver front-end system Figure 9:
The complete schematic circuit is shown In this
designs.
microwave paper,power
Although
requires a 2-way frequency
the dividers
entire receiver
equal power divider.
could befront-end
devices). composedsystem
of 90°
N-way
The only parameter
in Figure 7. The circuit was optimized requires
hybrids, athe
dividers
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2-way
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be devices
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that
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splits in power
an input signal divider
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or more in is the
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ways
value
outputsofthat are not 2N.
[7].characteristic M/A-COM
impedance. offers a
These characteristic IX. M
IX. M
response for the filter was shown in Figure impedances are then converted to line impedance using
variety
LineCalc of 3-way thentheand
provided other N-way
Designerdividers
impedances
In this are paper, converted to line
entire receiver impedancesystem
front-end using
Program in AnSoft software.
8. Referring to simulated S-parameters, it LineCalc
requires a Program
that
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incorporate
provided
powerindivider.
proprietary
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and
software.
only parameter
patented
was observed at 5.75 GHz frequency the that needs to be calculated in power divider design is the
circuit
value ofdesigns.
characteristic Although
impedance. power dividers6
These characteristic IX. M
insertion loss was -6.69 dB and the related could
impedances be are composed
then converted ofto90° line hybrids,
impedance using the6
reflection loss was -15.16 dB. These term “power
LineCalc Program divider” normally
provided in AnSoft Designerrefers to
software.
parameters values are acceptable since the a device that splits an input signal into
required specification for insertion loss two or more in phase outputs [7]. 6
was less than -10 dB and reflection loss
was more than -10 dB. The bandwidth In this paper, the entire receiver front-
was measured about 107 MHz. end system requires a 2-way equal power
divider. The only parameter that needs
to be calculated in power divider design
is the value of characteristic impedance.

ISSN: 2180 - 1843 Vol. 2 No. 2 July - December 2010 49

 Table 10: Power divider design specification
Table
Power10: Power divider design specification
divider Value
Power divider
specification Value
Journal of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer Engineering specification
Frequency Range 5.3 to 6.3 GHz
Frequency
Type Range 5.3Wilkinson
to 6.3 GHz
Type
Structure 2-wayWilkinson
equal power
Structure
Insertion Loss 2-way3.5
equal
dB power
These characteristic impedances are The comparison Insertion Loss between targeted
Return Loss 3.5 dB
<-10 dB
and
then converted to line impedance using simulated Input parameters
Return
Return
Loss
Loss was shown <-10 dBin Table
<-10 dB
Figure 7: Complete bandpass filter circuit
LineCalc Program provided
Figure 7: Complete incircuit
bandpass filter AnSoft 11. AsInput
can beLossseen that the
Return <-10simulated
dB

Designer software. The power divider parameter values between

The comparison were above andsimulated
targeted and
The comparison between targeted and simulated
better
than -10 dB. The The power divider design specification is shown in Table parameters was shown in Table 11. As can be seen that the
design specification is shown in Table 10.
10.
than
parameters was shown in Table 11. As can beschematic
the targeted values. A final seen that the
simulated parameter values were above and better than the
circuit
simulatedfor power
parameter
targeted values.
valuesdivider
were abovewas
A final schematic simulated
and better
circuit for power
than the
divider
TableTable
10: 10:
Power
Powerdivider design specification targeted values. A final schematic circuit for power divider
divider design specification as
wasshown
simulated in Figure
as shown 9. 9.
in Figure
was simulated as shown in Figure 9.
Power divider Value
specification Table 11:11: Comparison between TargetedTargeted
and Simulated
Table
Table 11: Comparison
Comparison between between
Targeted and Simulated and
Frequency Range 5.3 to 6.3 GHz
Simulatedparameter parameter
parameter
value of Power divider.
valuevalue
of Power ofdivider.
Power divider.
Type Figure 8: Simulation Filter Wilkinson
Response Power divider Targeted Value SimulatedValue
Figure 8: Simulation Filter Response Power divider Targeted Value SimulatedValue
Structure 2-way equal power specification
specification
Insertion
The comparisonLoss between targeted 3.5 dBand simulated Frequency Range 5.3 to 6.3 GHz 5.3 to 6.3 GHz
The comparison between targeted and simulated Frequency Range 5.3 to 6.3 GHz 5.3 to 6.3 GHz
parameters
ReturnresultLoss for band pass filter is shown dBTable 10. Type Wilkinson Wilkinson
parameters result for band pass filter <-10 is shown Table 10. Type Wilkinson Wilkinson
r circuit Input Return Loss <-10 dB Structure
Structure 2-way
2-way equal
equal 2-way
2-way equal
equal power
power
Table 10: Comparison Parameters for
Table 10: Comparison Parameters for Bandpass filter Bandpass filter power
power
Filter Specification Targeted Value Simulated Insertion
The Specification
Filter comparison between Targeted targeted
Value and simulatedSimulated InsertionLoss LossSS2121 3.5
3.5 dB
dB 3.14
3.14 dB
dB
Two forms
parameters was shown ofin Table
power 11. As dividers
can be seen Value were
that the Return
Value ReturnLossLossSS1212, , <<-10
-10 dB
dB -17.18
-17.18 dB
dB
generally
simulatedCenter constructed
Frequency
parameter
Center Frequencyvalues were 5.75by GHz
above
5.75 cascading
GHz and better5.75 5.75 two-
thanGHzthe
GHz SS13,S,S31
13 31
Filter Type Chebyshev Chebyshev
way dividers.
targeted Filter TypeThese 2-way
values. A final schematic circuit
Chebyshev dividers
for power were
divider
Chebyshev Input
InputReturn
ReturnLoss Loss <-10
<-10 dBdB -25.92
-25.92 dB
dB
Insertion
was simulated
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shown
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in Figure<10 <10dBdB
9. 3.0
3.0dBdB SS1111
typically Stopbandeither terminated
2525dBdB@@5.85 180° 7575dBhybrid
Stopband 5.85 dB@@5.85 5.85
(for
TableRF 11: frequency
Attenuation
Comparison
Attenuation between units)GHz or
GHz
Targeted andWilkinson GHz
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or tapered Bandwidth
parameter
Bandwidth linevalue dividing
of100100MHz
Power structures
divider.
MHz 102
102MHz (for
MHz
ponse microwave
Power dividerRipple
Ripple frequency
Targeted Value 0.5 devices).
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0.5
0.5dBdB
specification
dividers
Frequency Two
are
Rangeforms
devicesofof
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to power GHzdividers
split
5.3 towere
signals in
generally
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power dividers 6.3
wereGHz generally
wn Table 10. ways that are
constructed
Type
constructed not
bybycascading 2N.two-way
Wilkinson
cascading M/A-COM
two-way dividers.
Wilkinson
dividers. offers
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These2-way a
2-way
variety
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Structure
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weretypically andeither
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typically other
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frequencyunits) units)proprietary
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orWilkinson tapered
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microwave frequency3.14 devices).
dB N-way
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areSaredevices
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than -10 dB. The could Returndividers
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5.75 GHz
The
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otherN-way
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10. 13 31
Chebyshev term
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incorporate dB normally
<-10 proprietary
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circuit Figure
Figure9:9:Complete
Completepower
power divider
divider circuit
Figure 9: Complete power divider circuit
3.0 dB a device designs.
designs.
STable
11 that
Although
Although
10: Power splits
power
divideran
powerdividers
dividersinput
design
couldbebe
could signal
composed
composed
specification into
ofof90°
90°
75 dB @ 5.85 hybrids,thetheterm
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divider”normally
normallyrefers refers toto a a
GHz
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device
device
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in phase
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outputs
inputsignal
signalintointotwo
[7]. moreininphase
Value
twoorormore phase
specification
outputs [7].
102 MHz outputs [7].
Frequency Range the entire receiver 5.3 to 6.3 GHz IX. MEASUREMENT AND
0.5 dB In this paper,
In Inthis thispaper,
paper,the entirereceiver
the entire receiver front-
front-end
front-end system
system
end requires
system
requires
Type
a
a 2-way 2-way
requires equal
equal power power
a 2-way
Wilkinson
divider.
divider. equal The only
The onlypower parameter
parameter ANALYSIS
that Structure
needs 2-way divider
equal power
were generally divider. that needs to tobebecalculated
calculatedininpower power divider design designisisthe the
value
value
The
Insertion only parameter
Loss
of ofcharacteristic
characteristic impedance. These
impedance. 3.5 that
These needs The resultIX.for
dB characteristic
characteristic LNA
MEASUREMENT RFAND front-end
A NALYSIS module
rs. These 2-way The result IX. for
M EASUREMENT
LNA AND
RF front-end A NALYSIS
module was presented From the tabulated v
180° hybrid (for to be calculated
impedances Returnare
impedances Loss
are then
then in power
converted
converted to divider
to <-10
line
line dB design
impedance
impedance using was presented in Table 12.
using in Table 12.
er circuit is the Input
LineCalc value
LineCalc Return of
Program
Program Loss
characteristic
providedininAnSoft
provided AnSoft <-10 dB software.
impedance.
Designer
Designer software. S Parameters
red line dividing
devices). N-way These characteristic impedances are TableTable 12: S12:Parameter result
S Parameter result forfor
LNALNA
The comparison between targeted and simulated
ways that are not Input Reflection S11 dB
then
parametersconverted
was shown to line11.impedance
in Table As can be seen that using the 66 S Parameters Targeted Measured
and other N-way
patented circuit LineCalc Program provided in AnSoft
simulated parameter values were above and better than the Return Loss S12 dB
Input Reflection S11 dB <-10 dB -11.4
targeted Figure
values.9:AComplete power divider circuit
composed of 90° Designer software. The power divider
final schematic circuit for power divider Forward transfer S21 dB
Return Loss S12 dB <-10 dB -39.1
was simulated as shown in Figure 9.
mally refers to a design specification is shown in Table 10. Output ReflectionS22 dB
Forward transfer S21 dB >35 dB 36.8
or more in phase NF dB *
Table 11: Comparison between Targeted and Simulated Output ReflectionS22 dB <-10 dB -12.3
Table 10: Power parameterdivider design
value of Power specification
divider. BW MHz
ront-end system NF dB * <3 dB 1.3
Power divider Targeted Value SimulatedValue
esponse
only parameter was -12.4 dB. This is -2
specification BW MHz >1000 1240
der design is the better and acceptable. S2
dse and simulated
characteristic Frequency Range 5.3 to 6.3 GHz 5.3 to 6.3 GHz less than targeted and ac
IX. MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS
own Table 10.
mpedance using Type Wilkinson Wilkinson From the tabulated values, the S11 parameter measured S12 obtained was less tha
esigner software. Structure 2-way equal 2-way equal power From
was 11.4the dB. Thistabulated
is -1.4 dB lessvalues,
than targetedthewhichSis11 and better. The use of Ȇ-n
Bandpass filter power parameter measured
better and acceptable. waswas11.4
S22 measured -12.3 dB. This
dB which is at the input and output of
Simulated Insertion Loss S21 3.5 dB 3.14 dB which was lower than -2
Value isless-1.4
than dB less
targeted than targeted
and acceptable. which
The return loss is
required
6 Return Loss S12, < -10 dB -17.18 dB S12 obtained was less than -39 dB. The related measured targeted for this amplifier
5.75 GHz S13,S31 better and acceptable.
gain S21 for the LNA amplifier was 36.8
S22 dB. measured
The noise measured gain S21 for t
Chebyshev Input Return Loss <-10 dB -25.92 dB wasfigure-12.3
values dB which
obtained was 1.37 isdBless
whichthan targeted
complied with the measured.. The noise fig
3.0 dB S11 and acceptable.
targeted value of less The 3 dB. return
The use of loss required
T lump reactive which complied with th
75 dB @ 5.85 element and microstrip line matching technique at the input shows that the use of
GHz of the LNA contributes the best performance for the microstrip matching netw
102 MHz amplifier.. This matching technique was used to provide the RFA since the measur
0.5 dB high-loaded Q factor for better sensitivity and thus bandwidth obtained was
50 ISSN: 2180 - 1843 Vol. 2 No.minimized 2 Julythe- December
noise figure. The 2010elements of T-network were targeted result of 1000 MH
were generally realized in the form of lump reactive elements and Both amplifiers wer
ders. These 2-way microstrip line impedance. The 3 dB bandwidth for the measurement setup Figur
 in Table 12.
S Parameters Targeted Measured
Table 12: S Parameter result for LNA
Low Noise, High Gain RF Front
InputEnd Receiver
Reflection at 5.8GHz<-10
S11 dB for WiMAX-12.4
Application
S Parameters Targeted Measured
Return Loss S12 dB <-10 -25.5
Input Reflection S11 dB <-10 dB -11.4
Forward transfer S21 dB >15 15.6
Return Loss S12 dB <-10 dB -39.1
S12 obtained was less than -39 dB. The Output and ReflectionS
acceptable. 22 dB The return <-10 loss-12.3 required
Forward transfer S21 dB >35 dB 36.8
related measured gain S21 for the LNA NF S12 dB obtained
* was less<3than -25 dB 2.4 which
Output ReflectionS22 dB <-10 dB -12.3
amplifier wasfor36.8
The result LNA RF dB. The module
front-end noisewasfigure presented BW is MHzalsoFromacceptable
the tabulated values, and better.
the
1000 S11 parameterThe use of
1125measured
NF dB *
in Table 12. <3 dB 1.3
values obtained was 1.37 dB which wasΠ-network -12.4 dB.S This with
is
Parameters -2.4 50
dB Ώ
less load
than impedance
targeted
Targeted which is at
Measured
BW MHz >1000
complied with the targeted value1240
Table 12: S Parameter result for LNA
of less better theandinputacceptable. andS22output measuredof wasthe-12.3RFAdB which shows is a
3 dB. The use of T lump reactive element lessbetter return
than targeted
Input Reflection Sloss
11 dB which<-10
and acceptable. waslosslower
The return requiredthan
-12.4
S Parameters
tabulated values, the STargeted Measured S12 obtained was less than -25 dB which is also acceptable
and From the
microstrip line matching 11 parameter measured
technique and -25 dB.
Return
better.
The
TheLoss
minimum
use Sof12Ȇ-network
dB return
with 50<-10
loss targeted
Ƿ load impedance -25.5
was Input
11.4 dB. This isS11-1.4
Reflection dB dB less than
<-10 targeted
dB which
-11.4is
atbetter
theandinput of the
acceptable. LNA was
S22 measured contributes
-12.3 dB whichthe is at the forinputthisandamplifier
Forward output ofS21thedBwas
transfer RFA shows less>15athan -10dB.
better return loss The
15.6
Return Loss S12 dB <-10 dB -39.1
best
less thanperformance for the
targeted and acceptable. Theamplifier.. This which
return loss required related
was lower measured
Output ReflectionS
than -25 dB.gain
22 dB
S21 for
The minimum
<-10
returnthe-12.3RFA
loss
Forward transfer lessS21 dB -39 dB. >35 The dB 36.8 targeted for this amplifier was less than -10dB. The related
matching
S12 obtained technique
was than was used to provide
related measured amplifier
NF dB * was 15.6 dB measured..
<3 2.4 The
S21 forReflectionS
gain Output the LNA 22amplifier
dB was<-1036.8
dBdB. The-12.3 noise measured gain S21 for the RFA amplifier was 15.6 dB
high-loaded Q factor for better
figure values obtained was 1.37 dB which complied with the
sensitivity noise
measured..BW figure
The
MHz noise values
figure valuesobtained
obtained
1000 was
was 2.4 2.4
dB dB
1125
and thus
NF
targeted
dB *minimized the noise
value of less 3 dB. The use of T figure.
<3 dB The which
1.3
lump reactive which compliedcompliedwith the with targetedthe targeted
value
was -12.4 dB. This is -2.4 dB less than targeted which is
of 3dB. Again value of
elements
BWand
element MHz of T-network
microstrip line matching were>1000 realized
technique inputin shows
at the1240 3dB.
better Again
that the useshows of T lump
and acceptable. S22 measured thatreactive
the wasuse-12.3of
element Tand lump
dB which is
microstrip matching network provide best performance for
the form of lump reactive elements and thereactive
of the LNA contributes the best performance for the element
less than targeted and
and acceptable. microstrip
RFA since the measure value nearly optimized. The 3dB
The return loss matching
required
amplifier.. This matching technique was used to provide S12 obtained was less than -25 dB which is also acceptable
microstrip
high-loaded Q line factor impedance.
From the tabulated Theand3measured
values, the S11 parameter
for better sensitivity thus network
dB bandwidth obtained provide
was 1125 MHz bestwhich performance
is more than the for
was 11.4 dB. This is -1.4 dB less than targeted which istargeted and better. The use of Ȇ-network with 50 Ƿ load impedance
bandwidth
minimized the noise forfigure.
the The amplifier
elements ofis measured
T-network were the the input and output of the RFA shows avalue
RFA
result of since
1000 MHz. the measure nearly
better and acceptable. S22 measured was -12.3 dB which is atBoth amplifiers were then cascaded and tested using
better return loss
and
realized thethan
less
in frequency
the form of lump response
targeted and acceptable.
reactive of
The returnLNA
elements andis optimized.
which was lower
loss requiredmeasurement The than3dB -25 dB. bandwidth
The minimum obtained return loss
microstrip line impedance. The 3 dB bandwidth for the setup Figure 5.3a, and with 20dB attenuation
shown in Figure
S12 obtained was less10.thanThe-39 dB. related measured was
3dBThebandwidth the1125
targeted for thisMHz amplifier which
was lessis
the outputmore
than -10dB. than
power versus the
The related
amplifier is measured and the frequency response of LNA is set on spectrum analyzer
measured gain S21 for the RFA amplifier was 15.6 dB
obtained
gain S21 wasfor the1.24LNA GHz amplifiercompliant
was 36.8 dB. The
shown in Figure 10. The 3dB bandwidth obtained was 1.24 with targeted
noisefrequency is shownresultin of
Figure 1000
11. It MHz.
was
measured.. The noise figure values obtained was 2.4 dB
observed that the
figure values obtained was 1.37 dB which complied with thepower
targeted
GHz compliant result of more
with targeted resultthan
of more1than
GHz. 1 GHz. output is -51 dBm and is expected if includes the total
which complied
targeted value of less 3 dB. The use of T lump reactiveloss from cable and connector of 3.4 dB. with the targeted value of 3dB. Again
element and microstrip line matching technique at the input Both shows amplifiers
that the use of were T lump then cascaded
reactive element and and
of the LNA contributes the best performance for the tested
LNA Frequency Response
microstripusing matching
LNA + RFA measurement
network provide bestsetup
Frequency Response
performanceFigure for
amplifier.. This matching technique was used to provide the RFA since the measure value nearly optimized. The 3dB
5.3a, and with 20dB attenuation set on
high-loaded
0 Q factor for better sensitivity and thus 0bandwidth obtained was 1125 MHz which is more than the
the spectrum
targeted result of 1000analyzer
MHz. the output power
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minimized
-10 the noise figure. The elements of T-network were -10

realized in the form of lump reactive elements and versus Bothfrequency is then
shown in and
Figure tested 11.
usingIt
P o w e r O u tp u t d B m
P o w e r O u tp u t d B m

-20 amplifiers were cascaded

-20
microstrip line impedance. The 3 dB bandwidth for the was -30measurement setup Figure 5.3a, and with 20dB attenuation
-30 observed that the power output is -51
amplifier is measured and the frequency response of LNA is -40set on the spectrum analyzer the output power versus
-40
shown in Figure 10. The 3dB bandwidth obtained was 1.24 -50
dBmfrequencyand is is
shown expected
in Figure if
11. includes
It was observed the thattotal
the
-50
GHz compliant with targeted result of more than 1 GHz. loss
-60power from
output cable
is -51 dBm and andconnector of 3.4thedB.
is expected if includes total
-60 -70loss from cable and connector of 3.4 dB.
Frequency GHz Frequency GHz
LNA Frequency Response LNA + RFA Frequency Response
Figure10:
10: Power
Power output Vs Frequency 5.8GHz fro5.8GHz
LNA Figure 11: Power output vs Frequency GHz For LNA +
Figure 0 output Vs Frequency 0
RFA
fro LNA
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Hz
Hz

-10 -10
The RF amplifier measurement setup was similar to the
P o w e r O u tp u t d B m
P o w e r O u tp u t d B m

-20
measurement
-20 set up for LNA. The results were shown in
The
TableRF
13.-30amplifier measurement setup was
-30
-40
similar-40 to the measurement set up for -50
LNA. The
-50 results were shown in Table The-60RF front end modular units were also tested for
Table 13: S Parameter results for RFA their frequency response. The front end module was
13. -60 -70
Frequency GHz Frequency GHz
nd module was presented From the tabulated values, the S11 parameter measured
Table
Figure13: S Parameter
10: Power results for
output Vs Frequency RFAfro LNA
5.8GHz Figure 11:
Figure 11:Power
Poweroutput vs Frequency
output GHz For LNA
vs Frequency +
GHz
S Parameters Targeted Measured 7
For LNA RFA+ RFA
esult for LNA The RF amplifier measurement setup was similar to the
measurement
Input Reflection Sset up for LNA.<-10
11 dB The results were
-12.4shown in
rgeted Measured
Table 13.S dB
The RF front end modular units were also
Return Loss <-10 -25.5
10 dB -11.4
12
tested for their frequency response. The
Forward transfer S21 dB >15 15.6
10 dB -39.1 frontTheend module
RF front wasunitscompleted
end modular with
were also tested for
Table2213:
Output ReflectionS dB S Parameter
<-10results for RFA
-12.3
35 dB 36.8 center frequency
their frequency response.5.75
The GHz.
front endThe output
module was

10 dB -12.3
NF dB * <3 2.4 from the filter is shown in Figure 12.
BW MHz 1000 1125
3 dB 1.3
was -12.4 dB. This is -2.4 dB less than targeted which is 7
1000 1240
better and acceptable. S22 measured was -12.3 dB which is
From the tabulated
less than targeted values,
and acceptable. The return lossthe S11
required
e S11 parameter measured parameter
S12 obtained wasmeasured
less than -25 dBwas
which-12.4
is also dB. This
acceptable
s than targeted which is isand -2.4
better. The use of Ȇ-network with 50 Ƿ load impedance
dB less than targeted which is
ed was -12.3 dB which is at the input and output of the RFA shows a better return loss
The return loss required
better
which wasand lower acceptable. S22 measured
than -25 dB. The minimum return loss
B. The related measured was
targeted-12.3
for thisdB which
amplifier was is
lessless thanThe
than -10dB. targeted
related
was 36.8 dB. The noise measured gain S21 for the RFA amplifier was 15.6 dB
which complied with the measured.. The noise figure values obtained was 2.4 dB
use of T lump reactive which complied with the targeted value of 3dB. Again
ng technique at the input shows that the use ofISSN: T lump2180 - 1843element
reactive Vol.and 2 No. 2 July - December 2010 51
st performance for the microstrip matching network provide best performance for
ue was used to provide the RFA since the measure value nearly optimized. The 3dB
Journal of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer Engineering
completed with center frequency 5.75 GHz. The output from system developed can be implemented in IEEE 802.16
the filter is shown in Figure 12. WiMAX standard with the standard input sensitivity of -

LNA + RFA +PD + 5.75 GHz Filter Frequency Response

a good
80dB overall
and channel performance of gain and
bandwidth.

0
noise figure for the system. Two 3 dB
5452446138 attenuators Awere inserted at the input
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Hz
-10
CKNOWLEDGMENT
-20
and The output of like
authors would theto thank
RFAUTeM to isolate the
for financing
Power Output dB

system
research from the reflected
the short-termload power
grant. also
-30

-40
this project under research
-50 shows an improvement in return loss of
-60
the overall system. The radio frequency
REFERENCES
bandwidth recorded Eo, for the system was
-70

-80 [1] Ickjin Kwon, Yunseong Seong-Sik Song, Kyudon

Frequency GHz
above 1000 MHz
Choi, Heungbae which
Lee & Kwyro Lee. complies with
A Fully Integrated

Figure 12: Power output vs Frequency GHz the targeted

2.4-GHz CMOSbandwidth. Using
RF Transceiver. IEEE microstrip
802.15.4.
[2] Roger Marks (2004). IEEE standard 802.16: A
Figure 12: Power output vs Frequency GHz for LNA +
for LNA + RFAmp + Power Divider + Filter line technology for designing the filter,
RFAmp + Power Divider + Filter Technical Overview of a WirelessMAN Air Interface
the For channel
Fix Broadbandbandwidth
Wireless System.recorded
IEEE 802.16was
TheThe Front-end system designed consisted 107 MHzGroup,
Working which 2004.can accommodate 4 sub
Front-end system designed consisted of a LNA,
of a LNA, RFA,
RFA, Power divider and filters Power divider
were developed. The and
final
channels. The front-end system developed
[3] IEEE Computer Society and IEEE Microwave Theory
filters
result forwere
overall developed.
amplifier gain was The52.40final
dB gain result
with can be implemented in IEEE 802.16
Technique and Society (2004) Part 16 Air Interface For
for
noiseoverall amplifier
figure of 3.70 dB. The totalgain was
insertion 52.40
loss for dB
the front- WiMAX standard
Fix Broadband withIEEEthe
Wireless System, standard
Standard 802.16
end was 5.80 dB which is contributed by passive network
gain with noise figure of 3.70 dB. The input
-2004. sensitivity of -80dB and channel
power divider and filters. With injecting a -80 dBm signal at
total insertion
the input lossreceiver,
of the front-end for the front-end
an output power ofwas -59
bandwidth.
[4] M Madihan. (1999). C MOS RF IC,s for 900 MHz- 2.4
GHz band wireless communication networks.
5.80
dBm wasdB achieved
which atis the contributed by passive
output. With considering the
Proceedings of the RFIC symposium, pp 13 – 16 , June
network power
attenuation set divideranalyzer,
at the spectrum and filters.
the actual With
signal
1999.
output at the aRF-80
injecting front-end
dBmreceiver
signal wasat-39.00
the dBm.
input Forof a ACKNOWLEDGMENT
[5] K.L Fong (1999). Dual band high linearity variable gain
wireless communication system such as WiMAX system,
the front-end receiver, an output power
this RF front-end receiver will capable to provide a better
low noise amplifiers for wireless application.
of -59 for
dBm was achieved at noise
the figure
output. The authors
Proceedings would
of the like
ISSCC, pp. to thank
224-225, Feb 1999.UTeM
pipeline the receiver with minimum and
With
provide considering
a high gain. This the
outputattenuation
is acceptable forset at
further for financing this research project under
[6] Garuda, C. & Mohamed, I. (2006). A Multi Band
the spectrum
processing of the analyzer,
baseband system the for
actualIEEE signal
802.16 the short-term research grant.
CMOS RF Front End For 4G WiMAX & WLAN
WiMAX standard.
output at the RF front-end receiver was Application, ICAS 2006, IEEE Transaction on
-39.00 dBm. ForX.a wireless Microwave Theory & Techniques, pp 3049-3052.
CONCLUSIONcommunication
systemA lowsuchnoise, as
highWiMAX
gain front system,
end receiver this RF
system
REFERENCES
[7] David M. Pozar (2005). Microwave Engineering. John
Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2005.
front-end receiver
consisting of Low will capable
noise amplifier to provide
(LNA), radio frequency [8]
[1]Bahl,
I.Ickjin
& Bhartia, P. (2003).
Kwon, MicrowaveEo,
Yunseong SolidSeong-
State
aamplifier
better(RFA), power divider
pipeline for the and band pass filter
receiver withhas Circuit Sik
Design, 2nd Edition,
Song, KyudonJ Wiley,Choi,
pp. 133-180.
Heungbae
been developed. The overall noise figure targeted for the
minimum noise figure and provide a high
system was less than 6 dB and noise figure measured for the Lee & Kwyro Lee. “A Fully Integrated
gain.
system This output
was 3.733 dB. A is acceptable
cascaded LNA which forwas further
used in 2.4-GHz CMOS RF Transceiver”. IEEE
processing of the
the system produced baseband
a high gain of 36.8 system
dB. The RFA for 802.15.4.
IEEE 802.16
contributes 15.6dB WiMAX
gain whichstandard.
is higher than the targeted of
15 dB. The implementation of T matching network for the [2] Roger Marks (2004). IEEE standard
LNA and the RFA that uses microstrip and lumped reactive 802.16: A Technical Overview of a
element matching network gives a good overall performance WirelessMAN Air Interface For Fix
X.
of gainCONCLUSION
and noise figure for the system. Two 3 dB Broadband Wireless System. IEEE
attenuators were inserted at the input and output of the 802.16 Working Group, 2004.
ARFAlow noise,
to isolate high from
the system gainthefront end
reflected load receiver
power also
shows an improvement
system consistingin of return
Lowloss of the overall
noise system.
amplifier [3] IEEE Computer Society and IEEE
The radio frequency bandwidth recorded for the system was
(LNA), radio frequency amplifier (RFA), Microwave Theory Technique and
above 1000 MHz which complies with the targeted Society (2004) Part 16 Air Interface For
power
bandwidth.divider and band
Using microstrip pass for
line technology filter has
designing Fix Broadband Wireless System, IEEE
been developed.
the filter, The overall
the channel bandwidth recordednoise
was 107figure
MHz
Standard 802.16 -2004.
targeted for the system
which can accommodate was less
4 sub channels. The than
front-end6
dB and noise figure measured for the [4] M Madihan. (1999). “C MOS RF
system was 3.733 dB. A cascaded LNA 8 IC,s for 900 MHz- 2.4 GHz band
which was used in the system produced a wireless communication networks”.
Proceedings of the RFIC symposium,
high gain of 36.8 dB. The RFA contributes
pp 13 – 16 , June 1999.
15.6dB gain which is higher than the
targeted of 15 dB. The implementation [5] K.L Fong (1999). “Dual band high
of T matching network for the LNA and linearity variable gain low noise
the RFA that uses microstrip and lumped amplifiers for wireless application”.
reactive element matching network gives Proceedings of the ISSCC, pp. 224-225,
Feb 1999.

52 ISSN: 2180 - 1843 Vol. 2 No. 2 July - December 2010

 Low Noise, High Gain RF Front End Receiver at 5.8GHz for WiMAX Application

[6] Garuda, C. & Mohamed, I. (2006). “A

Multi Band CMOS RF Front End For 4G
WiMAX & WLAN Application”, ICAS
2006, IEEE Transaction on Microwave
Theory & Techniques, pp 3049-3052.

[7] David M. Pozar (2005). “Microwave

Engineering”. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
2005.

[8] Bahl, I. & Bhartia, P. (2003). “Microwave

Solid State Circuit Design”, 2nd Edition,
J Wiley, pp. 133-180.

ISSN: 2180 - 1843 Vol. 2 No. 2 July - December 2010 53