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Methodology of Noise Flatness Based on Network Quality Factor in RF Wideband Applications

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Abstract

A noise optimization method for millimeter-wave RF wideband applications is reported. Intrinsic noise laws in wideband RF systems are discovered, and a noise flatness methodology based on a network quality factor algorithm is proposed. This algorithm aims to reduce the total noise in an RF system and increase the noise flatness over a full operating band. An RF wideband front end is investigated to verify the noise optimization theory and maintain circuit performance. Using noise flatness methodology and a SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor process featuring a fT/fmax of 240/280 GHz, the front-end results show good performance and compliance with the proposed method.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the National Natural Science Foundation (61771388), the Xi’an Science and Technology Program (2019217814GXRC014CG015-GXYD14.3, 201805037YD15CG 21(11)), the XAUT Education Reform Project (252041911, 251031903), and the Scientific Research Project of Shaanxi Education Department (19JC029) for their support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Automation and Information Engineering, Xi’an University of Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

    Kai Jing, Ningmei Yu & Zhongjie Guo

  2. Institute of Microelectronics R&D, ZTE Corporation, Xi’an, 710065, Shaanxi, China

    Xi Wang

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  1. Kai Jing
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  2. Ningmei Yu
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  4. Zhongjie Guo
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Correspondence to Kai Jing.

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Jing, K., Yu, N., Wang, X. et al. Methodology of Noise Flatness Based on Network Quality Factor in RF Wideband Applications. Circuits Syst Signal Process 39, 4499–4515 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00034-020-01380-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00034-020-01380-3

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