V-Band LNA for Satellite Communications(9625)

Q-DOT proposes to develop a monolithic, V-band, low noise amplifier (LNA) for satellite communications in IBM's advanced SiGe technology. The primary design goals include 1.5 dB maximum noise figure with a small signal gain of 30 plus/minus 0.3 dB over a49 - 52 GHz operating bandwidth. IBM's 8HP process, which is currently being developed around its demonstrated 210 GHz HBTs, and planned 9HP process, with a goal of 300 GHz HBTs, will be evaluated for realization of the LNA. These SiGe BiCMOStechnologies provide the potential for future integration of the LNA with other receiver components on a single silicon chip at low cost and with low power consumption. In Phase I, a preliminary LNA design will be developed and simulated to estimateperformance. In Phase II, the detailed design of the LNA will be performed, and a prototype LNA will be realized in the 8HP technology. To achieve the ultimate goal of 1.5 dB noise figure, the LNA will be migrated to the 9HP technology as soon as itbecomes available, in either a Phase II Enhancement or Phase III.