An An 8-bit Digitally-controlled Low NF VGA for 5G Millimeter-wave Beamforming in 65 nm CMOS Technology

Authors

  • Sid Ahmed Tedjini Centre de Développement des Technologies avancées (CDTA), Algiers, ALGERIA
  • Sonia Salhi Centre de Développement des Technologies avancées (CDTA), Algiers, ALGERIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53907/enpesj.v5i1.323

Keywords:

VGA, LNA, 5G, phase array , beamforming

Abstract

In this paper, a linear-in-dB digitally controlled variable gain low-noise amplifier (D-VGLNA) designed in 65 nm CMOS process for the 5G mm-wave phase-array subsystem is presented. Based on the current steering technique, the designed 8-bit D-VGLNA achieves a gain range of 22 dB from -12 dB to +10 dB while it consumes 9.6 mW (without buffers). By boosting up the input transconductance thanks to a cross-coupled technique, the designed D-VGLNA achieves a noise figure of 2.3 dB, and 7 dB at maximum and 0 dB gain, respectively. It shows an input-output phase shift insensitivity to gain setting thanks to parasitic capacitance mitigation by holding the parasitic capacitance at common junction cascode transistor constant during gain setting. The DVGLNA returns a maximum of -6.5 dBm of 1dB compression point.

Author Biographies

Sid Ahmed Tedjini, Centre de Développement des Technologies avancées (CDTA), Algiers, ALGERIA

Sid Ahmed Tedjini received a B.S, and M.S degrees in electrical engineering from Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria in 2005, and 2008 respectively, and a Ph.D. degree from the Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Algiers, Algeria, in 2016. In 2011, he joined
the Microelectronics division at Centre de Développement des Technologies Avancées where he is currently a research fellow with Analog and mixed-signal IC design group. His current research interests include analog and RF IC design for wireless communications.

Sonia Salhi, Centre de Développement des Technologies avancées (CDTA), Algiers, ALGERIA

Sonia Salhi received a B.S, M.S, and PhD degree from Uni-
versité des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene
in 2010, 2012, and 2018, respectively. In 2019, she joined
Centre de Développement des Technologies Avancées where
she is currently a researcher with Analog and mixed-signal IC
design group.

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Published

2025-07-30

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): ENP Engineering Science Journal

Section

Article

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