A 1V, 0.9dB noise-figure high linearity LNA MMIC for concurrent GPS handset application

A highly linear low-noise amplifier (LNA) for concurrent GPS (S-GPS) application is described. In addition to the out-of-band sensitivity requirements of the non- concurrent GPS sytems, the additional difficulties facing S-GPS operation is analyzed and simulation results presented. It is shown that in order for GPS reception to co-exist simultaneously with cellular band frequencies, there needs to be at least 42 dB of isolation between the power amplifier output and the GPS input and very linear GPS LNA performance. These results define the necessary specifications for the GPS LNA in the new S-GPS applications. The LNA was designed in an enhancement-mode pHEMT process for the best linearity- noise combination. The LNA operates down to 1V supply with input IIP3 better than +3 dBm gain achieved is 14 dB with 0.9 dB noise figure. Power consumption is less than 5 mW. The complete design is packaged in an ultra-thin 0.4 mm plastic package occupying 2 mm x 1.3 mm area.