84 dB 5.2 mA digitally-controlled variable gain amplifier

Abstract

A digitally-controlled topology that reduces power dissipation to half that of the conventional one while occupying smaller die area and obtaining higher linearity is presented. In the 0.13 mu m CMOS process, the VGA occupies an active area of 0.46 mm(2) and dissipates an average current of 5.2 mA at 1.5 V. The gain-variation range is -32 to 52 dB with a gain error of less than +/- 1 dB. The IIP3, P1dB, NF at 52 dB of gain, and 3 dB bandwidth are -37 to + 13 dBm, -42 to -2 dBm, 6.2 dB and 200 MHz, respectively.