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LNA Design Using SpectreRF
Measurements Using SpectreRF
To test an LNA, place it into the testbenches described in page 6. You can then perform
various analyses to determine the gain, noise, power, linearity, stability, and matching
performance for the LNA.
This section demonstrates how to set up the required SpectreRF analyses and to make
measurements on LNAs. It explains how to extract the design parameters from the data
generated by the analyses.
The workshop begins by bringing up the Cadence Design Framework II environment for a
full view of the reference design:
To prepare for the workshop,
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Lab 1: Small Signal Gain (SP)
The S Parameter (SP) analysis is the most useful linear small signal analysis for LNAs. In
the following actions, you set up an SP analysis by specifying the input and output ports and
the range of sweep frequencies.
Action:
Select the PORT0. Set up the port properties as follows:
Parameter
Resistance
Value
50 ohm
Port Number
1
DC voltage
Source type
(blank)
dc
Action:
Action:
Action:
Action:
Check and save the schematic.
In the Virtuoso Schematic Editing window, select ADE_L.
In the Virtuoso Analog Design Environment window, select Analyses —
Choose….
In the Choosing Analyses window, select sp in the Analysis field of the
window.
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the form looks like this:
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The Virtuoso Analog Design Environment window looks like this:
Action : Choose Simulation — Netlist and Run to start the simulation or click the Netlist
and Run icon in the Virtuoso Analog Design Environment window.
Action : In the Virtuoso Analog Design Environment window, select Results — Direct Plot
— Main Form….
A waveform window and a Direct Plot Form window open.
Action: In the Direct Plot Form window, set Plotting Mode to Append. In the Analysis field,
select sp. In the Function field, select GT (for Transducer Gain). In the
Modifier field, select dB10.
After these actions, the form looks like this:
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Action: Click Plot. In the Function field, select GP (for Operating Power Gain). Click Plot
once more.
These actions plot GT and GP in one waveform window.GT is the smallest
gain. This is expected from the discussion about “Gain” on page 7. The power
gain GP is closer to the transducer gain GT than the available gain
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You get the following waveforms:
Action: Close the waveform window, and go back to the Direct Plot Form window. In the Direct
Plot Form window, select NF (Noise Figure) in the Function field. In the
Modifier field, select dB10. Click Plot.
Action: In the waveform window, click New Subwindow.
Action: In the function field, choose NC (Noise Circles). In the Plot type field,
choose Z-Smith. Sweep Noise Level at Frequency 4G Hz starting from 2 to 4
dB with steps set to 0.2 dB.
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Action: Click Plot.
You get the following plot:
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In the above figure, the noise circle, NC, draws the NF on the Smith chart of the source
reflection coefficient, ΓS . The result in the NC plot where ΓS = 0and NF = 1.9 dB matches
the result in the NF plot. The center of the NC corresponds to
S (that is, Gmin ) which
Γ
generates NFmin . The optimum location for the center of the noise circle is at the center of
the Smith chart. However it is hard to center both the available gain circle, GAC, and the
noise circle, NC, in the Smith chart.
Action: Close the waveform window and go back to the Direct Plot Form window. In the
function field, choose VSWR (Voltage standing-wave ratio). In the Modifier
field, select dB20. Click VSWR1.
You get the following waveforms:
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