A Variable Gain MMIC Amplifier

A variable gain MMIC amplifier block is demonstrated. A maximum gain of 13 dB with a control range of 13 dB is obtained at 2.5GHz. The –3dB bandwidth is 5 GHz. The circuit consists of a cascade input stage with an active load followed by a source follower for impedance transformation. A GaAs pseudomorphic HEMT technology is used for the implementation. The active circuit area is less then 0.5 mm2.

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