Improving low noise amplifier (LNA) input impedance using coupling between output inductor and degeneration inductor

Abstract

A low noise amplifier (LNA) includes a first transistor (310), a first source inductor (410) coupled to a source of the first transistor (310), and a second transistor (320), where a source of the second transistor (320) is coupled to a drain of the first transistor (310), a gate of the second transistor (320) is coupled to a bias circuit, and a drain of the second transistor (320) is coupled to an output of the LNA. The LNA also includes an output inductor (420) coupled between the supply rail and an output of the LNA, wherein the output inductor (420) is magnetically coupled with the first source inductor (410).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to non-provisional application No. 18 / 470,310, filed September 19, 2023, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are fully set forth below and incorporated herein for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] All aspects of this disclosure relate to wireless communication in general, and more specifically to low-noise amplifiers. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless devices (e.g., smartphones) can transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals in one or more wireless networks (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, 5G networks, wireless local area networks (WLANs), etc.). In order to receive RF signals, wireless devices include one or more antennas and one or more low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) configured to amplify the RF signals received by the one or more antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a simplified overview of one or more embodiments to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all anticipated embodiments, nor is it intended to identify key or essential elements of all embodiments, nor to depict the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0006] The first aspect relates to a system for wireless communication. The system includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The LNA includes a first transistor, a first source inductor coupled to the source of the first transistor, and a second transistor, wherein the source of the second transistor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor, the gate of the second transistor is coupled to a bias circuit, and the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the output of the LNA. The LNA also includes an output inductor coupled between a power supply rail and the output of the LNA, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the first source inductor.

[0007] The second aspect relates to a system for wireless communication. The system includes a radio frequency front-end (RFFE) circuit coupled to one or more antennas and including a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The LNA includes a first transistor, a first source inductor coupled to the source of the first transistor, and a second transistor, wherein the source of the second transistor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor, the gate of the second transistor is coupled to a bias circuit, and the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the output of the LNA. The LNA also includes an output inductor coupled between a power supply rail and the output of the LNA, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the first source inductor. The system also includes a receiver coupled to the output of the LNA.

[0008] A third aspect relates to a method for operating a wireless communication system including a low-noise amplifier (LNA), the LNA including a first transistor, a first source inductor coupled to the source of the first transistor, a second transistor coupled between the output of the LNA and the drain of the first transistor, and an output inductor coupled between a power supply rail and the output of the LNA. The method includes biasing the gate of the second transistor with a bias voltage, receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal in a first frequency band, inputting the first RF signal to the gate of the first transistor, and magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor.

[0009] The fourth aspect relates to a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The LNA includes a first transistor, a first source inductor coupled to the source of the first transistor, and a second transistor, wherein the source of the second transistor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor, the gate of the second transistor is coupled to a bias circuit, and the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the output of the LNA. The LNA also includes an output inductor coupled between a power supply rail and the output of the LNA, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the first source inductor. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 An example of a receiver including a filter and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An example is shown in which filters and LNAs are included in an RF front-end circuit coupled to an antenna, according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 Exemplary specific implementations of an LNA according to certain aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0013] Figure 4 An example of an LNA comprising an output inductor and a source inductor according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown, wherein the source inductor is magnetically coupled to the output inductor.

[0014] Figure 5A Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 4 An exemplary layout of the output inductor and the source inductor, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the source inductor.

[0015] Figure 5B Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 4 An exemplary layout of the output inductor and source inductor, wherein the output inductor and source inductor partially overlap.

[0016] Figure 6 Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 4 Another exemplary layout of the output inductor and source inductor.

[0017] Figure 7 An example of an LNA including an output inductor, a first source inductor, and a second source inductor according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown, wherein the first source inductor and the second source inductor are magnetically coupled to the output inductor.

[0018] Figure 8A Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 7 An exemplary layout of an output inductor, a first source inductor, and a second source inductor, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the first source inductor and next to the second source inductor.

[0019] Figure 8B Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 7 An exemplary layout of an output inductor, a first source inductor, and a second source inductor, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor, and the second source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

[0020] Figure 9 Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 7 Another exemplary layout of the output inductor, the first source inductor, and the second source inductor.

[0021] Figure 10 This illustrates coupling to certain aspects of this disclosure. Figure 7 The first filter at the first input of the LNA and coupled to Figure 7 An example of the second filter at the second input of an LNA.

[0022] Figure 11 Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 10 An example of the first and second filters being coupled to a common antenna.

[0023] Figure 12 Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 10 The first filter is coupled to the first antenna and Figure 10 An example of the second filter being coupled to the second antenna.

[0024] Figure 13 Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 7 An example of an LNA output coupled to a mixer.

[0025] Figure 14 Some aspects of this disclosure are shown. Figure 7 An example of an LNA output coupled to a first mixer and a second mixer.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an environment including an electronic device, which includes a transceiver, according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a wireless communication system according to certain aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The detailed description below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the various concepts, the detailed description includes specific details. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0029] The receiver of a wireless device may include one or more low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) configured to amplify radio frequency (RF) signals received by one or more antennas. In this respect, Figure 1 An example of a system 105 including an LNA 130 is shown, according to certain aspects. In this example, system 105 also includes an antenna 110, a filter 120 (also referred to as filter circuitry), and a receiver 140 (also referred to as a receive chain). Receiver 140 may be included in a transceiver. System 105 may be incorporated into a wireless device (e.g., a mobile wireless device, an access point, etc.). Although in Figure 1 An antenna 110, a filter 120, and an LNA 130 are shown, but it should be understood that a wireless device may include multiple antennas (e.g., arranged in an array), multiple filters, and / or multiple LNAs.

[0030] exist Figure 1In the example, filter 120 has an input 122 coupled to antenna 110 and an output 124. LNA 130 has an input 132 coupled to the output 124 of filter 120 and an output 134. Receiver 140 has an input 142 coupled to the output 134 of LNA 130 and an output 144. The output 144 of receiver 140 can be coupled to a baseband processor (also known as a modem), intermediate frequency (IF) circuitry, or another type of circuitry.

[0031] In one example, filter 120 is a bandpass filter configured to allow RF signals within a desired frequency band (i.e., passband) received from antenna 110 to pass through, while filtering out signals outside the desired frequency band (e.g., interference signals). LNA 130 is configured to receive and amplify the RF signal at input 132 and output the amplified RF signal at output 134.

[0032] Receiver 140 is configured to receive an RF signal at input 142, convert the RF signal to a baseband signal or an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, and output a baseband signal or an IF signal at output 144. For example, receiver 140 may include a mixer (not shown) configured to mix the RF signal with a local oscillator signal to down-convert the RF signal to obtain a baseband signal or an IF signal. Receiver 140 may also include one or more amplifiers (e.g., such as one or more additional LNAs), one or more filters, phase shifters, or any combination thereof.

[0033] In one example where receiver 140 outputs a baseband signal, output 144 may be coupled to a baseband processor (not shown). In this example, the baseband processor may decode and / or demodulate the baseband signal to recover data and / or control information from the baseband signal.

[0034] In the example where receiver 140 outputs an IF signal, output terminal 144 can be coupled to an IF circuit (not shown). In this example, the IF circuit can down-convert the IF signal to obtain a baseband signal and output the baseband signal to a baseband processor.

[0035] Figure 2An example is shown in which filter 120 and LNA 130 are included on RF front-end circuitry 210 located near antenna 110 to reduce signal loss between antenna 110 and RF front-end circuitry 210. In this example, receiver 140 is integrated on chip 220 coupled to RF front-end circuitry 210 via one or more metal traces, transmit lines, cables, etc. In this example, receiver 140 may also be referred to as receiver integrated circuit because receiver 140 is integrated on chip 220. In one example, RF front-end circuitry 210 and chip 220 may be mounted on a substrate (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB)). Filter 120 and LNA 130 may be integrated on the same chip or may be integrated on separate chips. In some specific implementations, LNA 130 and receiver 140 may be integrated on the same chip (i.e., die).

[0036] Figure 3 An exemplary specific implementation of an LNA 130 according to certain aspects is shown. In this example, the LNA 130 includes a first transistor 310, a second transistor 320, a source inductor 330 (also referred to as a source degradation inductor), a gate inductor 335, and an output inductor 340 (also referred to as a load inductor). Figure 3 In the example, the first transistor 310 is implemented using a first n-type field-effect transistor (NFET), and the second transistor 320 is implemented using a second NFET. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example, and transistors 310 and 320 can be implemented using other types of transistors.

[0037] A source inductor 330 is coupled between the source of the first transistor 310 and ground (or a reference potential), and a gate inductor 335 is coupled between the gate of the first transistor 310 and the input terminal 132 of the LNA 130. In this example, the source inductor 330 provides source degradation to the first transistor 310 (e.g., to improve the linearity of the LNA 130). The gate inductor 335 can be used for input impedance matching.

[0038] The source of the second transistor 320 is coupled to the drain of the first transistor 310. The gate of the second transistor 320 is biased by a bias voltage Vb, and the drain of the second transistor 320 is coupled to the output terminal 134 of the LNA 130. An output inductor 340 is coupled between the output terminal 134 of the LNA 130 and the power supply rail 350. The power supply rail 350 is configured to provide a supply voltage Vb. DD .

[0039] In this example, the first transistor 310 and the second transistor 320 are arranged in a common-source, common-gate configuration, wherein the first transistor 310 acts as a common-source amplifier and the second transistor 320 acts as a common-gate amplifier.

[0040] LNA 130 may also include a tunable load capacitor C coupled in parallel with the output inductor 340. L and adjustable load resistor R L . Adjustable load capacitor C L and adjustable load resistor R L It can be used to tune the load capacitor C L The capacitor and / or the tuning load resistor R L A resistor is used to provide frequency selection and / or gain selection. In some specific implementations, the tunable load capacitor C L and / or tunable load resistor R L It can be omitted.

[0041] Figure 3 The drain-to-source capacitance Cds, gate-to-drain capacitance Cgd, and gate-to-source capacitance Cgs of the first transistor 310 are shown. Although for illustrative purposes, in Figure 1 These capacitors are described as capacitors coupled to the first transistor 310, but it should be understood that these capacitors are due to the structure of the first transistor 310 and are therefore inherent in the first transistor 310.

[0042] The challenge with the LNA 130 lies in the fact that the real part of the input impedance, Re(Zin), and the real part of the optimal impedance, Re(Zopt), can be quite far apart (e.g., Re(Zin) = 40Ω and Re(Zopt) = 98Ω), where the optimal impedance is the impedance that minimizes the noise figure (NF) of the LNA 130. The significant difference between the real part of the input impedance, Re(Zin), and the real part of the optimal impedance, Re(Zopt), makes it difficult for the LNA 130 to achieve both low NF and low return loss.

[0043] The gate-to-drain capacitance Cgd of the first transistor 310 reduces Zin while having no effect on Zopt. Therefore, the gate-to-drain capacitance Cgd makes it more difficult to bring the real part Re(Zin) of the input impedance closer to the real part Re(Zopt) of the optimal impedance in order to achieve both low NF and low return loss in the LNA 130.

[0044] To address the aforementioned issues, aspects of this disclosure provide magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the source inductor of the LNA. Magnetic coupling (also referred to as inductive coupling) helps to bring the real part of the input impedance Re(Zin) and the real part of the optimal impedance Re(Zopt) closer together, achieving low non-current transformer (NF) and low return loss. Magnetic coupling also increases the effective gate-to-source capacitance Cgs of the first transistor (also referred to as the input transistor), which allows for input impedance matching using a smaller gate inductor. A smaller gate inductor reduces losses in the gate inductor, which also helps to reduce the NF of the LNA. The above-mentioned and other features of this disclosure are further discussed below.

[0045] Figure 4 Exemplary specific implementations of LNA 130 according to certain aspects of this disclosure are shown. LNA 130 includes the above references. Figure 3 The discussion focuses on the first transistor 310, the second transistor 320, and the gate inductor 335. The LNA 130 also includes a source inductor 410 (also referred to as a degradation inductor) and an output inductor 420, magnetically coupled to each other, as discussed further below. The source inductor 410 has a first terminal 412 coupled to ground (or a reference potential) and a second terminal 414 coupled to the source of the first transistor 310. The source inductor 410 provides source degradation to the first transistor 310 (e.g., to improve the linearity of the LNA 130). The output inductor 420 (also referred to as a load inductor) has a first terminal 422 coupled to a power rail 350 and a second terminal 424 coupled to the output terminal 134 of the LNA 130.

[0046] Gate inductor 335 is coupled between input terminal 132 of LNA 130 and the gate of first transistor 310. The source of second transistor 320 is coupled to the drain of first transistor 310, the gate of second transistor 320 is biased by bias voltage Vb, and the drain of second transistor 320 is coupled to output terminal 134 of LNA 130. Figure 4 In the example, the first transistor 310 and the second transistor 320 are arranged in a common-source, common-gate configuration, wherein the first transistor 310 acts as a common-source amplifier and the second transistor 320 acts as a common-gate amplifier.

[0047] LNA 130 may also include a tunable load capacitor C coupled in parallel with the output inductor 420. L and / or tunable load resistor R L (For example, to provide frequency selection and / or gain selection). However, it should be understood that in some specific implementations, the tunable load capacitor C L and / or tunable load resistor R L It can be omitted.

[0048] As discussed above, the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 are magnetically coupled (i.e., inductively coupled). Magnetic coupling can be achieved by physically placing the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 next to each other on a chip or substrate (e.g., a laminate, a printed circuit board (PCB), etc.), as discussed further below.

[0049] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 is indicated by double arrows pointing to both inductors 420 and 410. The polarity of each inductor is indicated by a corresponding point next to it. Figure 4 In the example shown, the dot next to the output inductor 420 is at the top, and the dot next to the source inductor 410 is at the bottom, indicating that the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 have opposite polarities. Note that... Figure 4 The circuit diagram shown is of the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410, rather than showing the physical positions of these inductors relative to each other. See below for reference. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 6 Examples of the physical implementation of the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 are discussed.

[0050] Due to the opposite polarities of the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410, the magnetic coupling between them induces a current in the source inductor 410 that is 180 degrees out of phase with the current in the output inductor 420. This induced current flows from the source to the drain node of transistor 310, which at least partially eliminates the effect of the gate-to-drain capacitance Cgd of the first transistor 310 on the input impedance Zin. This allows the real part Re(Zin) of the input impedance to be closer to the real part Re(Zopt) of the optimal impedance, achieving both low NF and low return loss in the LNA 130. The induced current generated by the magnetic coupling also increases the effective gate-to-source capacitance Cgs of the first transistor 310, allowing for input impedance matching using a smaller inductance (and therefore a smaller size) of the gate inductor 335. This reduces losses in the gate inductor 335, which also contributes to a lower NF in the LNA 130.

[0051] While the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 helps reduce the non-flying (NF) of the LNA 130, making the magnetic coupling too strong can lead to instability because this coupling provides positive feedback in the LNA 130. To prevent instability caused by positive feedback, the magnetic coupling factor K can be kept within a range that provides sufficient magnetic coupling to achieve the aforementioned benefits of magnetic coupling, while avoiding instability caused by making the coupling factor K too high. For example, in some specific implementations, the coupling factor K may be in the range of 0.05 to 0.30 (i.e., the K range) to provide sufficient magnetic coupling to achieve the aforementioned benefits of magnetic coupling, while avoiding instability caused by making the coupling factor K too high.

[0052] The upper limit of the K range can be defined by a maximum coupling coefficient (i.e., Kmax), which is lower than the coupling coefficient at which instability in the LNA 130 begins to occur. The coupling coefficient at which instability begins to occur can depend, for example, the gain of the LNA 130, the reverse isolation of the LNA 130 (i.e., the S12 parameter), and / or the operating frequency of the LNA 130. Therefore, the maximum coupling coefficient can also depend on the gain of the LNA 130, the reverse isolation of the LNA 130 (i.e., the S12 parameter), and / or the operating frequency of the LNA 130. For example, for -30dB reverse isolation (i.e., the S12 parameter), the maximum coupling coefficient can be 0.15 at an operating frequency of 860MHz, 0.20 at an operating frequency of 750MHz, and 0.25 at an operating frequency of 700MHz. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example. For specific implementations where the LNA 130 operates at multiple frequencies, the maximum coupling coefficient can be set to avoid instability at all operating frequencies of the LNA 130. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to specific K ranges. Examples of K ranges that avoid instability may include K ranges between 0.05 and 0.30, K ranges between 0.05 and 0.20, and K ranges between 0.05 and 0.15. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0053] In other words, the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 can be weakly magnetically coupled to achieve the aforementioned benefits of magnetic coupling while avoiding instability. Weak magnetic coupling can be achieved by placing the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 next to each other (e.g., on a chip or substrate) or by partially overlapping the source inductor 410 with the output inductor 420, which is the opposite of placing the source inductor 410 within the output inductor 420, as is done for strong magnetic coupling.

[0054] Figure 5AA top view shows an exemplary physical layout of the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 according to certain aspects. Figure 5A In the example, output inductor 420 includes a spiral inductor, wherein a first terminal 422 is located at one end of the spiral inductor and a second terminal 424 is located at the other end of the spiral inductor. For example, the spiral inductor may be a planar spiral inductor formed from a metal layer (e.g., using photolithography and etching processes). It should be understood that output inductor 420 is not limited to a spiral inductor and may be implemented with another type of inductor. For example, in other specific embodiments, output inductor 420 may include a single loop, multiple loops coupled in series and / or in parallel, etc.

[0055] The source inductor 410 can be implemented using a loop inductor, a spiral inductor, or another type of inductor. The source inductor 410 can be formed from the same metal layer as the output inductor 420 (e.g., using photolithography and etching processes), or from different metal layers. The source inductor 410 and the output inductor 420 can be integrated on a chip (i.e., a die), or they can be formed on a substrate (e.g., a laminate, a PCB, etc.) and / or embedded in that substrate.

[0056] exist Figure 5A In the example shown, the output inductor 420 is arranged next to the source inductor 410, such that magnetic coupling is achieved between the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410. For example, Figure 5A The exemplary layout shown can provide a magnetic coupling coefficient K of approximately 0.08 or another magnetic coupling coefficient K (e.g., within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, as in one example). Figure 5A In the exemplary layout shown, one side 510 of the source inductor 410 is adjacent to one side 520 of the output inductor 420. In this example, the side 520 of the output inductor 420 extends parallel to the side 510 of the source inductor 410. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example. In other specific embodiments, the source inductor 410 may partially overlap with the output inductor 420, as discussed further below.

[0057] exist Figure 5AIn the example, the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 are arranged such that the space (denoted as "d") between the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 achieves a desired coupling coefficient K (e.g., within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, as in one example). For example, a higher coupling coefficient K can be achieved by making the space smaller, and a lower coupling coefficient can be achieved by making the space larger. For the example where the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 are formed in the same metal layer, the minimum possible space between the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 can be limited by a design rule that specifies the minimum space between adjacent metal lines in the manufacturing process used to manufacture the inductors 410 and 420. Figure 5A In the example, the space (labeled "d") corresponds to the space between side 520 of the output inductor 420 and side 510 of the source inductor 410. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example. The space may also be referred to as pitch, distance, or other terms.

[0058] exist Figure 5A In the example, output inductor 420 and source inductor 410 are configured to generate Figure 4 The opposite polarities are shown. For example, the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 can be configured such that the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 causes a current (labeled "I") to flow from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 in the output inductor 420. out A current (labeled "I") is induced in the source inductor 410 from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414. induced ").exist Figure 5A In this example, this is achieved by winding the conductor path of the output inductor 420 (e.g., a spiral inductor) clockwise from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 and the conductor path of the source inductor 410 (e.g., a loop inductor) counterclockwise from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, in other specific embodiments, the conductor path of the output inductor 420 (e.g., a spiral inductor) may be wound counterclockwise from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424, and the conductor path of the source inductor 410 (e.g., a loop inductor) may be wound clockwise from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414.

[0059] As discussed above, in some implementations, the source inductor 410 may partially overlap with the output inductor 420. In this respect, Figure 5BAn exemplary layout is shown in which the source inductor 410 and the output inductor 420 partially overlap. For example, the source inductor 410 and the output inductor 420 may be arranged such that the partial overlap of the source inductor 410 and the output inductor 420 achieves a desired coupling coefficient K (e.g., within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, as in one example). In this example, the output inductor 420 may be formed from a first metal layer (e.g., using photolithography and etching processes), and the source inductor 410 may be formed from a second metal layer (e.g., using photolithography and etching processes), wherein the second metal layer is below or above the first metal layer.

[0060] Figure 6 Another exemplary embodiment of the source inductor 410 according to certain aspects is shown. In this example, the source inductor 410 is adjacent to the output inductor 420 on both sides. More specifically, a first side 610 of the source inductor 410 is adjacent to a first side 620 of the output inductor 420, and a second side 630 of the source inductor 410 is adjacent to a second side 640 of the output inductor 420, such that a desired coupling coefficient K is achieved (e.g., such as in one example, within an exemplary range of the exemplary K discussed above). Figure 6 In the example shown, the first side 620 of the output inductor 420 extends parallel to the first side 610 of the source inductor 410, and the second side 640 of the output inductor 420 extends parallel to the second side 630 of the source inductor 410. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example. Figure 6 The exemplary layout shown may provide a magnetic coupling coefficient K of approximately 0.18 or another magnetic coupling coefficient K (e.g., such as in one example, within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above).

[0061] exist Figure 6 In the example, output inductor 420 and source inductor 410 are configured to generate Figure 4 The opposite polarities are shown. For example, the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 can be configured such that the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the source inductor 410 causes a current (labeled "I") to flow from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 in the output inductor 420. out A current (labeled "I") is induced in the source inductor 410 from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414. induced ").exist Figure 6In this example, this is achieved by winding a conductor path of the output inductor 420 (e.g., a spiral inductor) in a clockwise direction from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 and a conductor path of the source inductor 410 (e.g., a loop inductor) in a counterclockwise direction from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0062] In some respects, the LNA 130 may include multiple inputs (e.g., for amplifying RF signals in different frequency bands). In this respect, Figure 7 An exemplary specific implementation of an LNA 130 according to certain aspects is shown, wherein the LNA 130 includes a plurality of input terminals. In this example, the LNA 130 includes the above-referenced... Figure 4 The discussion covers a first transistor 310, a second transistor 320, a gate inductor 335, a source inductor 410, and an output inductor 420. The LNA 130 also includes a third transistor 710, a second source inductor 720, and a second gate inductor 735. In the following discussion, the source inductor 410 is referred to as the first source inductor, the gate inductor 335 as the first gate inductor, and the input terminal 132 as the first input terminal. The first source inductor 410 is magnetically coupled to the output inductor 420, as referenced above. Figure 4 The subject of discussion.

[0063] In this example, the second source inductor 720 is also coupled to the output inductor 420. Figure 7 In this design, the magnetic coupling coefficient between the first source inductor 410 and the output inductor 420 is denoted as K1, and the magnetic coupling coefficient between the second source inductor 720 and the output inductor 420 is denoted as K2. In some aspects, the magnetic coupling coefficients K1 and K2 may each fall within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, such as a K range between 0.05 and 0.30, a K range between 0.05 and 0.20, and a K range between 0.05 and 0.15. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example. Generally, the magnetic coupling coefficients K1 and K2 may each fall within a K range that avoids instability in the LNA 130.

[0064] exist Figure 7In the example, the second source inductor 720 has a first terminal 722 coupled to ground (or a reference potential) and a second terminal 724 coupled to the source of the third transistor 710. The second source inductor 720 provides source degradation to the third transistor 710 (e.g., to improve the linearity of the LNA 130). The drain of the third transistor 710 is coupled to the source of the second transistor 720. Furthermore, a second gate inductor 735 is coupled between the gate of the third transistor 710 and the second input terminal 732 of the LNA 130 (e.g., to provide impedance matching at the second input terminal 732).

[0065] exist Figure 7 In the example, the first transistor 310 and the third transistor 710 share the second transistor 320, wherein the first transistor 310 serves as a common-source amplifier for the first input terminal 132 of the LNA 130, the third transistor 710 serves as a common-source amplifier for the second input terminal 732 of the LNA 130, and the second transistor 320 serves as a common-gate amplifier. In some aspects, the first input terminal 132 may be configured to receive a first RF signal, and the second input terminal 732 may be configured to receive a second RF signal, as further discussed below.

[0066] LNA 130 may also include a tunable load capacitor C coupled in parallel with the output inductor 420. L and / or tunable load resistor R L (For example, to provide frequency selection and / or gain selection), as referenced above. Figure 4 The above is discussed. However, it should be understood that in some specific implementations, the tunable load capacitor C... L and / or tunable load resistor R L It can be omitted.

[0067] As discussed above, the second source inductor 720 is magnetically coupled (i.e., inductively coupled) to the output inductor 420. Magnetic coupling can be achieved by physically placing the second source inductor 720 next to the output inductor 420 on a chip or substrate (e.g., a laminate, a printed circuit board (PCB), etc.), as discussed further below.

[0068] exist Figure 7 In the diagram, the magnetic coupling between the second source inductor 720 and the output inductor 420 is indicated by a double arrow pointing towards the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720. The polarity of each of the inductors 420, 410, and 710 is indicated by a corresponding point next to the inductor. Figure 7In the example shown, the point next to the output inductor 420 is at the top, and the point next to the second source inductor 720 is at the bottom, indicating that the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 have opposite polarities. Due to the opposite polarities of the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720, the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 induces a current in the second source inductor 720 that is 180 degrees out of phase with the current in the output inductor 420. The induced current flows from the source to the drain node of the third transistor 710, which at least partially eliminates the effect of the gate-to-drain capacitance of the third transistor 710 on the input impedance Zin at the second input terminal 732. Therefore, the magnetic coupling between the second source inductor 720 and the output inductor 420 helps the LNA 130 achieve low NF and low return loss at the second input terminal 732 of the LNA 130 in a manner similar to that discussed above for the first input terminal 132 of the LNA. In some specific implementations, the coupling coefficient K2 can be within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above to provide sufficient magnetic coupling to achieve low NF and low return loss of the second input 732, while avoiding instability caused by making the coupling coefficient K2 too high.

[0069] Figure 8A A top view shows an exemplary physical layout of the output inductor 420, the first source inductor 410, and the second source inductor 720 according to certain aspects. Figure 8A In the example, the output inductor 420 includes the above reference. Figure 5A The exemplary spiral inductor discussed is shown. However, it should be understood that the output inductor 420 is not limited to this example. For example, in other specific embodiments, the output inductor 420 may include a single loop, multiple loops coupled in series, etc.

[0070] Each of the first source inductor 410 and the second source inductor 720 can be implemented using a corresponding loop inductor or a corresponding spiral inductor. The first source inductor 410 and the second source inductor 720 can be formed from the same metal layer as the output inductor 420 (e.g., using photolithography and etching processes), or from different metal layers. The first source inductor 410, the second source inductor 720, and the output inductor 420 can be integrated on a chip (i.e., a die), or can be formed on a substrate (e.g., a laminate, a PCB, etc.) and / or embedded in the substrate.

[0071] exist Figure 8AIn the example shown, a first source inductor 410 is arranged next to an output inductor 420 such that magnetic coupling is achieved between the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410, and a second source inductor 720 is arranged next to the output inductor 420 such that magnetic coupling is achieved between the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720. In this example, the coupling coefficient K1 of the magnetic coupling between the first source inductor 410 and the output inductor 420 and the coupling coefficient K2 of the magnetic coupling between the second source inductor 720 and the output inductor 420 may each fall within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above or within another K range.

[0072] exist Figure 8A In the example shown, one side 510 of the first source inductor 410 is adjacent to the first side 520 of the output inductor 420, and one side 810 of the second source inductor 720 is adjacent to the second side 820 of the output inductor 420. The first side 520 and the second side 820 of the output inductor 420 can be opposite sides (i.e., opposite sides) of the output inductor 420, such as... Figure 8A The example is shown. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example. In other specific embodiments, the first source inductor 410 may partially overlap with the output inductor 420, and / or the second source inductor 720 may partially overlap with the output inductor 420.

[0073] exist Figure 8A In the example, the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410 are arranged such that a first space (labeled "d1") between the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410 achieves a desired coupling coefficient K1 (e.g., within an exemplary range of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, as in one example). For example, a higher coupling coefficient K1 can be achieved by making the first space smaller, and a lower coupling coefficient can be achieved by making the first space larger. Furthermore, the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 are arranged such that a second space (labeled "d2") between the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 achieves a desired coupling coefficient K2 (e.g., within an exemplary range of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, as in one example). For example, a higher coupling coefficient K2 can be achieved by making the second space smaller, and a lower coupling coefficient can be achieved by making the second space larger. Figure 8AIn the example, the first space (labeled "d1") corresponds to the space between the first side 520 of the output inductor 420 and the side 510 of the first source inductor 410, and the second space (labeled "d2") corresponds to the space between the second side 820 of the output inductor 420 and the side 810 of the second source inductor 720. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0074] exist Figure 8A In the example, the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410 are configured to generate Figure 7 The opposite polarities are shown. For example, the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410 can be configured such that the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410 causes a current (labeled "I") to flow from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 in the output inductor 420. out A current (labeled "I") is induced in the first source inductor 410, flowing from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414. induced1 ").exist Figure 8A In the example, this is achieved by winding a conductor path of the output inductor 420 (e.g., a spiral inductor) in a clockwise direction from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 and a conductor path of the first source inductor 410 (e.g., a loop inductor) in a counterclockwise direction from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0075] exist Figure 8A In the example, the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 are configured to generate Figure 7 The opposite polarities are shown. For example, the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 can be configured such that the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 causes a current (labeled "I") to flow from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 in the output inductor 420. out The current (labeled "I") flowing from the first terminal 722 to the second terminal 724 is induced in the second source inductor 720. induced2 ").exist Figure 8A In the example, this is achieved by winding a conductor path of the output inductor 420 (e.g., a spiral inductor) in a clockwise direction from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 and a conductor path of the second source inductor 720 (e.g., a loop inductor) in a counterclockwise direction from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 724. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0076] exist Figure 8BAn exemplary layout is shown in which a first source inductor 410 partially overlaps with an output inductor 420 and a second source inductor 720 partially overlaps with an output inductor 420. For example, the first source inductor 410 and the output inductor 420 may be arranged such that the partial overlap of the first source inductor 410 and the output inductor 420 achieves a desired coupling coefficient K1 (e.g., such as in one example, within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above). Furthermore, the second source inductor 720 and the output inductor 420 may be arranged such that the partial overlap of the second source inductor 720 and the output inductor 420 achieves a desired coupling coefficient K2 (e.g., such as in one example, within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above). In this example, the output inductor 420 may be formed from a first metal layer (e.g., using photolithography and etching processes), and each of the first source inductor 410 and the second source inductor 720 may be formed from a second metal layer (e.g., using photolithography and etching processes), wherein the second metal layer is below or above the first metal layer. Note that the first terminal 422 of the output inductor 420 is shown as... Figure 8B The first terminal 422 extends slightly to the left side of the second source inductor 720, so that the first terminal 422 is in... Figure 8B As can be seen in the text.

[0077] Figure 9 Another exemplary embodiment of a first source inductor 410 and a second source inductor 720 according to certain aspects is shown. In this example, the first source inductor 410 is adjacent to the output inductor 420 on both sides, and the second source inductor 720 is adjacent to the output inductor 420 on both sides. More specifically, in this example, a first side 610 of the first source inductor 410 is adjacent to a first side 620 of the output inductor 420, and a second side 630 of the first source inductor 410 is adjacent to a second side 640 of the output inductor 420, such that a desired coupling coefficient K1 is achieved (e.g., such as in one example, within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above). Furthermore, in this example, the first side 910 of the second source inductor 720 is adjacent to the third side 920 of the output inductor 420, and the second side 930 of the second source inductor 720 is adjacent to the fourth side 940 of the output inductor 420, thereby achieving the desired coupling coefficient K2 (e.g., within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, as in one example). The first side 620 and the third side 920 of the output inductor 420 can be opposite sides of the output inductor 420, and the second side 640 and the fourth side 940 of the output inductor 420 can be opposite sides of the output inductor 420. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0078] exist Figure 9 In the example, the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410 are configured to generate Figure 7 The opposite polarities are shown. For example, the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410 can be configured such that the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the first source inductor 410 causes a current (labeled "I") to flow from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 in the output inductor 420. out A current (labeled "I") is induced in the first source inductor 410, flowing from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414. induced1 ").exist Figure 9 In the example, this is achieved by winding a conductor path of the output inductor 420 (e.g., a spiral inductor) in a clockwise direction from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 and a conductor path of the first source inductor 410 (e.g., a loop inductor) in a counterclockwise direction from the first terminal 412 to the second terminal 414. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0079] exist Figure 9 In the example, the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 are configured to generate Figure 7 The opposite polarities are shown. For example, the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 can be configured such that the magnetic coupling between the output inductor 420 and the second source inductor 720 causes a current (labeled "I") to flow from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 in the output inductor 420. out The current (labeled "I") flowing from the first terminal 722 to the second terminal 724 is induced in the second source inductor 720. induced2 ").exist Figure 9 In the example, this is achieved by winding a conductor path of the output inductor 420 (e.g., a spiral inductor) in a clockwise direction from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 424 and a conductor path of the second source inductor 720 (e.g., a loop inductor) in a counterclockwise direction from the first terminal 422 to the second terminal 724. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0080] As discussed above, the first input terminal 132 of the LNA 130 can be configured to receive a first RF signal, and the second input terminal 732 of the LNA 130 can be configured to receive a second RF signal. In some respects, the first RF signal may be within a first frequency band, and the second RF signal may be within a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. In this respect, Figure 10An example is shown in which a first input terminal 132 may be coupled to a first filter 1010 (e.g., a first bandpass filter) configured to transmit signals in a first frequency band, and a second input terminal 732 may be coupled to a second filter 1020 (e.g., a second bandpass filter) configured to transmit signals in a second frequency band.

[0081] Figure 10 An example of a bias circuit 1030 coupled to the gate of the second transistor 320 is also shown. The bias circuit 1030 is configured to output a bias voltage Vb to the gate of the second transistor 320. The bias circuit 1030 can be implemented using a voltage divider (e.g., a resistor divider), a bandgap reference circuit, or any other bias circuit known in the art.

[0082] In some specific implementations, both the first filter 1010 and the second filter 1020 are coupled to the antenna 110 to receive the corresponding RF signal via the antenna 110, an example of which is shown in... Figure 11 As shown in [the image]. Figure 11 In the example shown, the first filter 1010 is coupled between the antenna 110 and the first input terminal 132 of the LNA 130, and the second filter 1020 is coupled between the antenna 110 and the second input terminal 732 of the LNA 130.

[0083] In other specific implementations, the first filter 1010 and the second filter 1020 are coupled to different antennas to receive corresponding RF signals, examples of which are shown in Figure 12 As shown in [the image]. Figure 12 In the example shown, a first filter 1010 is coupled between antenna 110 and a first input terminal 132 of LNA 130, and a second filter 1020 is coupled between second antenna 1210 and a second input terminal 732 of LNA 130. In this example, antenna 110 may also be referred to as the first antenna.

[0084] Figure 13 An example is shown in which the output 134 of the LNA 130 is coupled to the receiver 140 discussed above. In this example, the receiver 140 includes a frequency synthesizer 1320 and a mixer 1310 coupled to the output 134 of the LNA 130. The frequency synthesizer 1320 is configured to generate one or more oscillator signals for down-conversion, as discussed further below.

[0085] In this example, LNA 130 can receive the first RF signal and the second RF signal one at a time. When LNA 130 receives the first RF signal, frequency synthesizer 1320 generates a first local oscillator signal (labeled "LO_RX1") and outputs the first local oscillator signal to mixer 1310. Mixer 1310 mixes the first RF signal from LNA 130 with the first local oscillator signal to down-convert the first RF signal to a first baseband signal or a first intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The first baseband signal or the first IF signal can be transmitted to receiver 140 and / or additional components in the modem for further processing.

[0086] When LNA 130 receives the second RF signal, frequency synthesizer 1320 generates a second local oscillator signal (labeled "LO_RX2") and outputs it to mixer 1310. Mixer 1310 mixes the second RF signal from LNA 130 with the second local oscillator signal to down-convert the second RF signal into a second baseband signal or a second IF signal. The second baseband signal or the second IF signal can then be transmitted to receiver 140 and / or additional components in the modem for further processing.

[0087] In some respects, the LNA 130 can be configured to amplify signals in a tunable frequency band. In these respects, the system may include control circuitry 1330, which is configured to adjust the load capacitor C accordingly. L The capacitor and / or the tuning load resistor R L The control circuit 1330 is configured to tune the frequency band of LNA 130 by using a resistor. When LNA 130 receives a first RF signal in a first frequency band, the control circuit 1330 can be configured to tune the frequency band of LNA 130 such that the first frequency band of the first RF signal is within the frequency band of LNA 130. When LNA 130 receives a second RF signal in a second frequency band, the control circuit 1330 can be configured to tune the frequency band of LNA 130 such that the second frequency band of the second RF signal is within the frequency band of LNA 130. In other embodiments, the frequency band of LNA 130 can be a wideband, such that both the first and second frequency bands are within the frequency band of LNA 130, without needing to tune the frequency band of LNA 130 when switching between receiving the first RF signal and receiving the second RF signal.

[0088] Figure 14An example is shown in which receiver 140 includes a second mixer 1410 coupled to output 134 of LNA 130. In this example, the second mixer 1410 allows receiver 140 to simultaneously receive a first RF signal and a second RF signal from LNA 130. In the discussion below, mixer 1410 is referred to as first mixer 1310.

[0089] In this example, frequency synthesizer 1320 outputs a first local oscillator signal (labeled "LO_RX1") to first mixer 1310 and a second local oscillator signal (labeled "LO_RX2") to second mixer 1410. First mixer 1310 mixes the first RF signal with the first local oscillator signal to down-convert the first RF signal to either the first baseband signal or the first IF signal discussed above. Second mixer 1410 mixes the second RF signal with the second local oscillator signal to down-convert the second RF signal to either the second baseband signal or the second IF signal discussed above. Furthermore, in this example, the LNA 130 can have a wideband, such that both the first and second bands are within the LNA 130's bandwidth. Wideband allows the LNA 130 to simultaneously amplify signals in both the first and second bands.

[0090] Figure 15 This is a diagram of an environment 1500 including electronic device 1502 and base station 1504. Electronic device 1502 may include system 105, which includes one or more of antennas 110 and 1210, one or more of a first filter 1010 and a second filter 1020, LNA 130, and receiver 140.

[0091] In environment 1500, electronic device 1502 communicates with base station 1504 via wireless link 1506. As shown, electronic device 1502 is depicted as a smartphone. However, electronic device 1502 can be implemented as any suitable computing device or other electronic device, such as a cellular base station, broadband router, access point, cellular or mobile phone, gaming device, navigation device, media device, laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, server computer, network attached storage (NAS) device, smart appliance, vehicle-based communication system, Internet of Things (IoT) device, sensor or security device, asset tracker, etc.

[0092] Base station 1504 communicates with electronic device 1502 via wireless link 1506, which can be implemented as any suitable type of wireless link. Although depicted as a base station tower of a cellular radio network, base station 1504 can represent or be implemented as another device, such as a satellite, terrestrial broadcast tower, access point, peer device, mesh network node, fiber optic line, or another electronic device generally as described above. Therefore, electronic device 1502 can communicate with base station 1504 or another device via wired connection, wireless connection, or a combination thereof. Wireless link 1506 can include a downlink transmitting data or control information from base station 1504 to electronic device 1502, and an uplink transmitting other data or control information from electronic device 1502 to base station 1504. Wireless link 1506 can use any suitable communication protocol or standard, such as 3GPP LTE, 3GPP NR 5G, IEEE 1502.15, Bluetooth, etc. ™ (etc.) to achieve this.

[0093] Electronic device 1502 includes processor 1580 and memory 1582. Memory 1582 may be part of or form part of a computer-readable storage medium. Processor 1580 may include any type of processor, such as an application processor or a multi-core processor, configured to execute processor-executable instructions (e.g., code) stored in memory 1582. Memory 1582 may include any suitable type of data storage medium, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), optical media, magnetic media (e.g., magnetic disk or magnetic tape), etc. In the context of this disclosure, memory 1582 is implemented to store instructions 1584, data 1586, and other information of electronic device 1502.

[0094] Electronic device 1502 may also include input / output (I / O) port 1590. I / O port 1590 enables data exchange or interaction with other devices, networks, or users, or between components of the device.

[0095] Electronic device 1502 may also include a signal processor (SP) 1592 (e.g., such as a digital signal processor (DSP)). The signal processor 1592 may function similarly to processor 1580 and may be able to execute instructions and / or process information in conjunction with memory 1582.

[0096] For communication purposes, electronic device 1502 also includes a modem 1594 and a wireless transceiver 1596, which may include a receiver 140. The wireless transceiver 1596 uses RF wireless signals to provide connectivity to the appropriate network and other electronic devices connected thereto. The wireless transceiver 1596 can facilitate communication on any suitable type of wireless network, such as a wireless local area network (LAN) (WLAN), peer-to-peer (P2P) network, mesh network, cellular network, wireless wide area network (WWAN), navigation network (e.g., the Global Positioning System (GPS) of North America or another Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)) and / or wireless personal area network (WPAN).

[0097] Figure 16 An example of a method 1600 for operating a wireless communication system including a low-noise amplifier (LNA) is shown. The LNA (e.g., LNA 130) includes a first transistor (e.g., first transistor 310), a first source inductor coupled to the source of the first transistor (e.g., first source inductor 410), a second transistor (e.g., second transistor 320) coupled between the output of the LNA (e.g., output 134) and the drain of the first transistor, and an output inductor (e.g., output inductor 420) coupled between a power supply rail (e.g., power supply rail 350) and the output of the LNA.

[0098] At block 1610, a bias voltage is used to bias the gate of the second transistor. For example, bias circuit 1030 can use a bias voltage Vb to bias the gate of the second transistor.

[0099] At block 1620, a first radio frequency (RF) signal in a first frequency band is received. For example, the first RF signal may be received via antenna 110. In some respects, the received first RF signal may be filtered by a first filter 1010.

[0100] At block 1630, a first RF signal is input to the gate of the first transistor. For example, the first RF signal may be input to the gate of the first transistor via input terminal 132.

[0101] At box 1640, the first source inductor is magnetically coupled to the output inductor. For example, the first source inductor can be magnetically coupled to the output inductor by placing the first source inductor next to the output inductor or by partially overlapping the first source inductor with the output inductor.

[0102] In some respects, magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor may include magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor with a magnetic coupling coefficient between 0.05 and 0.3, within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, or within another K range.

[0103] In some aspects, the LNA also includes a third transistor (e.g., third transistor 710) and a second source inductor (e.g., second source inductor 720) coupled to the source of the third transistor, wherein the second transistor is coupled between the output of the LNA and the drain of the third transistor. In these aspects, method 1600 may further include receiving a second RF signal in a second frequency band, inputting the second RF signal to the gate of the third transistor, and magnetically coupling the second source inductor to the output inductor.

[0104] In some aspects, magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor includes magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor with a first magnetic coupling coefficient between 0.05 and 0.30, within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, or within another K range. Furthermore, magnetically coupling the second source inductor to the output inductor includes magnetically coupling the second source inductor to the output inductor with a second magnetic coupling coefficient between 0.05 and 0.30, within one of the exemplary K ranges discussed above, or within another K range.

[0105] Method 1600 may further include filtering the first RF signal using a first bandpass filter before inputting the first RF signal to the gate of the first transistor, and filtering the second RF signal using a second bandpass filter before inputting the second RF signal to the gate of the third transistor. The first bandpass filter may correspond to a first filter 1010, and the second bandpass filter may correspond to a second filter 1020.

[0106] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0107] 1. A system for wireless communication, the system comprising:

[0108] A low-noise amplifier (LNA), the low-noise amplifier (LNA) comprising:

[0109] First transistor;

[0110] A first source inductor is coupled to the source of the first transistor.

[0111] A second transistor, wherein the source of the second transistor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor, the gate of the second transistor is coupled to a bias circuit, and the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the output of the LNA; and

[0112] An output inductor is coupled between the power supply rail and the output terminal of the LNA, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the first source inductor.

[0113] 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the first source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the first source inductor.

[0114] 3. The system according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3.

[0115] 4. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first source inductor is placed next to the output inductor.

[0116] 5. The system according to Clause 4, wherein at least one side of the first source inductor is adjacent to at least one side of the output inductor.

[0117] 6. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities.

[0118] 7. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor are weakly magnetically coupled.

[0119] 8. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, the system further comprising a filter coupled to the gate of the first transistor.

[0120] 9. The system according to Clause 8, wherein the LNA further includes a gate inductor coupled between the filter and the gate of the first transistor.

[0121] 10. The system according to any one of clauses 1, 3 and 6 to 9, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

[0122] 11. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the first source inductor is coupled between the source of the first transistor and ground.

[0123] 12. The system according to any one of clauses 1, 3, 6 to 9 and 11, wherein said LNA further comprises:

[0124] A third transistor, wherein the drain of the third transistor is coupled to the source of the second transistor; and

[0125] A second source inductor is coupled to the source of the third transistor, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the second source inductor.

[0126] 13. The system according to Clause 12, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the second source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the second source inductor.

[0127] 14. The system according to Clause 12 or 13, wherein the first magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3, and the second magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the second source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3.

[0128] 15. The system according to any one of clauses 12 to 14, wherein each of the first source inductor and the second source inductor is placed next to the output inductor.

[0129] 16. The system according to Clause 15, wherein a first side of the output inductor is adjacent to the first source inductor, and a second side of the output inductor is adjacent to the second source inductor.

[0130] 17. The system according to Clause 16, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides of the output inductor.

[0131] 18. The system according to any one of clauses 12 to 17, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities, and the second source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities.

[0132] 19. The system according to any one of clauses 12 to 18, wherein the system further comprises:

[0133] A first filter, the first filter being coupled to the gate of the first transistor; and

[0134] A second filter is coupled to the gate of the third transistor.

[0135] 20. The system according to Clause 19, wherein:

[0136] The first filter is a first bandpass filter configured to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal in a first frequency band; and

[0137] The second filter is a second bandpass filter configured to transmit a second RF signal in a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band.

[0138] 21. The system according to Clause 19 or 20, wherein said LNA further comprises:

[0139] A first gate inductor, the first gate inductor being coupled between the first filter and the gate of the first transistor; and

[0140] A second gate inductor is coupled between the second filter and the gate of the third transistor.

[0141] 22. The system according to any one of clauses 12 to 21, the system further comprising one or more mixers coupled to the output of the LNA.

[0142] 23. The system according to any one of clauses 12, 14 and 18 to 22, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor and the second source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

[0143] 24. The system according to any one of clauses 12 to 23, wherein the first source inductor is coupled between the source of the first transistor and ground, and the second source inductor is coupled between the source of the third transistor and ground.

[0144] 25. A system for wireless communication, the system comprising:

[0145] A radio frequency front-end (RFFE) circuit, said RFFE circuit being coupled to one or more antennas and comprising:

[0146] A low-noise amplifier (LNA), the low-noise amplifier (LNA) comprising:

[0147] First transistor;

[0148] A first source inductor is coupled to the source of the first transistor.

[0149] A second transistor, wherein the source of the second transistor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor, the gate of the second transistor is coupled to a bias circuit, and the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the output of the LNA; and

[0150] An output inductor, the output inductor being coupled between the power supply rail and the output terminal of the LNA, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the first source inductor; and

[0151] A receiver, which is coupled to the output of the LNA.

[0152] 26. The system according to Clause 25, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the first source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the first source inductor.

[0153] 27. The system according to Clause 25 or 26, wherein the magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.30.

[0154] 28. The system according to any one of clauses 25 to 27, wherein the first source inductor is placed next to the output inductor.

[0155] 29. The system according to Clause 28, wherein at least one side of the first source inductor is adjacent to at least one side of the output inductor.

[0156] 30. The system according to any one of clauses 25 to 29, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities.

[0157] 31. The system according to any one of clauses 25 to 30, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor are weakly magnetically coupled.

[0158] 32. The system according to any one of clauses 25 to 31, wherein the first source inductor is coupled between the source of the first transistor and ground.

[0159] 33. The system according to any one of clauses 25, 27 and 30 to 32, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

[0160] 34. The system according to any one of clauses 25, 27 and 30 to 32, wherein said LNA further comprises:

[0161] A third transistor, wherein the drain of the third transistor is coupled to the source of the second transistor; and

[0162] A second source inductor is coupled to the source of the third transistor, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the second source inductor.

[0163] 35. The system according to Clause 34, wherein the first magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3, and the second magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the second source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3.

[0164] 36. The system according to clause 34 or 35, wherein each of the first source inductor and the second source inductor is placed next to the output inductor.

[0165] 37. The system according to Clause 36, wherein a first side of the output inductor is adjacent to the first source inductor, and a second side of the output inductor is adjacent to the second source inductor.

[0166] 38. The system according to Clause 37, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides of the output inductor.

[0167] 39. The system according to any one of clauses 34 to 38, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities, and the second source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities.

[0168] 40. The system according to any one of clauses 34 to 39, wherein the system further comprises:

[0169] A first filter, the first filter being coupled to the gate of the first transistor; and

[0170] A second filter is coupled to the gate of the third transistor.

[0171] 41. The system according to Clause 40, wherein:

[0172] The first filter is a first bandpass filter configured to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal in a first frequency band; and

[0173] The second filter is a second bandpass filter configured to transmit a second RF signal in a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band.

[0174] 42. The system according to Clause 41, wherein the one or more antennas include a first antenna and a second antenna, the first filter is coupled between the first antenna and the gate of the first transistor, and the second filter is coupled between the second antenna and the gate of the third transistor.

[0175] 43. The system according to any one of clauses 40 to 42, wherein the LNA further comprises:

[0176] A first gate inductor, the first gate inductor being coupled between the first filter and the gate of the first transistor; and

[0177] A second gate inductor is coupled between the second filter and the gate of the third transistor.

[0178] 44. The system according to any one of clauses 34 to 43, wherein the receiver includes one or more mixers coupled to the output of the LNA.

[0179] 45. The system according to any one of clauses 34, 35 and 39 to 44, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor and the second source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

[0180] 46. ​​The system according to any one of clauses 34 to 45, wherein the first source inductor is coupled between the source of the first transistor and ground, and the second source inductor is coupled between the source of the third transistor and ground.

[0181] 47. A method for operating a wireless communication system including a low-noise amplifier (LNA), the LNA including a first transistor, a first source inductor coupled to the source of the first transistor, a second transistor coupled between an output terminal of the LNA and the drain of the first transistor, and an output inductor coupled between a power supply rail and the output terminal of the LNA, the method comprising:

[0182] The gate of the second transistor is biased using a bias voltage;

[0183] Receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal in the first frequency band;

[0184] The first RF signal is input to the gate of the first transistor; and

[0185] The first source inductor is magnetically coupled to the output inductor.

[0186] 48. The method according to Clause 47, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the first source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the first source inductor.

[0187] 49. The method according to clause 47 or 48, wherein magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor comprises magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor with a magnetic coupling coefficient between 0.05 and 0.3.

[0188] 50. The method according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the LNA further comprises a third transistor and a second source inductor coupled to the source of the third transistor, wherein the second transistor is coupled between the output of the LNA and the drain of the third transistor, and wherein the method further comprises:

[0189] Receive the second RF signal in the second frequency band;

[0190] The second RF signal is input to the gate of the third transistor; and

[0191] The second source inductor is magnetically coupled to the output inductor.

[0192] 51. The method according to Clause 50, wherein:

[0193] Magnetic coupling of the first source inductor to the output inductor includes magnetic coupling of the first source inductor to the output inductor with a first magnetic coupling coefficient between 0.05 and 0.3.

[0194] Magnetic coupling of the second source inductor to the output inductor includes magnetic coupling of the second source inductor to the output inductor with a second magnetic coupling coefficient between 0.05 and 0.3.

[0195] 52. The method according to clause 50 or 51, further comprising:

[0196] Before inputting the first RF signal to the gate of the first transistor, the first RF signal is filtered using a first bandpass filter; and

[0197] Before the second RF signal is input to the gate of the third transistor, the second RF signal is filtered using a second bandpass filter.

[0198] 53. A low-noise amplifier (LNA), the low-noise amplifier (LNA) comprising:

[0199] First transistor;

[0200] A first source inductor is coupled to the source of the first transistor.

[0201] A second transistor, wherein the source of the second transistor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor, the gate of the second transistor is coupled to a bias circuit, and the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the output of the LNA; and

[0202] An output inductor is coupled between the power supply rail and the output terminal of the LNA, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the first source inductor.

[0203] 54. The LNA according to Clause 53, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the first source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the first source inductor.

[0204] 55. The LNA according to clause 53 or 54, wherein the magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3.

[0205] 56. The LNA according to clause 53 or 55, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

[0206] 57. The LNA according to any one of clauses 53 or 55, wherein the LNA further comprises:

[0207] A third transistor, wherein the drain of the third transistor is coupled to the source of the second transistor; and

[0208] A second source inductor is coupled to the source of the third transistor, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the second source inductor.

[0209] 58. The LNA according to Clause 57, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the second source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the second source inductor.

[0210] 59. The LNA according to clause 57 or 58, wherein the first magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3, and the second magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the second source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3.

[0211] 60. The LNA according to any one of clauses 57 or 59, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor, and the second source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

[0212] Within this disclosure, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any specific implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term "aspect" does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed. The term "coupling" is used herein to refer to direct or indirect electrical coupling between two structures. It should also be understood that the term "ground" can refer to direct current (DC) ground or alternating current (AC) ground, and therefore the term "ground" encompasses both possibilities. AC ground may be provided by a DC voltage.

[0213] The prior description of this disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein, but should be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A system for wireless communication, the system comprising: A low-noise amplifier (LNA), the low-noise amplifier (LNA) comprising: First transistor; A first source inductor is coupled to the source of the first transistor. A second transistor, wherein the source of the second transistor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor, the gate of the second transistor is coupled to a bias circuit, and the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the output of the LNA; and An output inductor is coupled between the power supply rail and the output terminal of the LNA, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the first source inductor.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the first source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the first source inductor.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.

3.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first source inductor is placed next to the output inductor.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein at least one side of the first source inductor is adjacent to at least one side of the output inductor.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor are weakly magnetically coupled.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a filter coupled to the gate of the first transistor.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the LNA further comprises a gate inductor coupled between the filter and the gate of the first transistor.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first source inductor is coupled between the source of the first transistor and ground.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the LNA further comprises: A third transistor, wherein the drain of the third transistor is coupled to the source of the second transistor; and A second source inductor is coupled to the source of the third transistor, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the second source inductor.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the second source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the second source inductor.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the first magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.3, and the second magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the second source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.

3.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the first source inductor and the second source inductor is placed next to the output inductor.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein a first side of the output inductor is adjacent to the first source inductor, and a second side of the output inductor is adjacent to the second source inductor.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides of the output inductor.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the first source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities, and the second source inductor and the output inductor have opposite polarities.

19. The system of claim 12, further comprising: A first filter, coupled to the gate of the first transistor, wherein the first filter is configured to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal in a first frequency band; and A second filter, coupled to the gate of the third transistor, is configured to transmit a second RF signal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the LNA further comprises: A first gate inductor, the first gate inductor being coupled between the first filter and the gate of the first transistor; and A second gate inductor is coupled between the second filter and the gate of the third transistor.

21. The system of claim 12, further comprising one or more mixers coupled to the output of the LNA.

22. The system of claim 12, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor, and the second source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

23. The system of claim 12, wherein the first source inductor is coupled between the source of the first transistor and ground, and the second source inductor is coupled between the source of the third transistor and ground.

24. A system for wireless communication, the system comprising: A radio frequency front-end (RFFE) circuit, said RFFE circuit being coupled to one or more antennas and comprising: A low-noise amplifier (LNA), the low-noise amplifier (LNA) comprising: First transistor; A first source inductor is coupled to the source of the first transistor. A second transistor, wherein the source of the second transistor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor, the gate of the second transistor is coupled to a bias circuit, and the drain of the second transistor is coupled to the output of the LNA; and An output inductor, the output inductor being coupled between the power supply rail and the output terminal of the LNA, wherein the output inductor is magnetically coupled to the first source inductor; and A receiver, which is coupled to the output of the LNA.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the first source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the first source inductor.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the magnetic coupling coefficient between the output inductor and the first source inductor is between 0.05 and 0.

30.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein the first source inductor partially overlaps with the output inductor.

28. A method for operating a wireless communication system including a low-noise amplifier (LNA), the LNA including a first transistor, a first source inductor coupled to the source of the first transistor, a second transistor coupled between an output terminal of the LNA and the drain of the first transistor, and an output inductor coupled between a power supply rail and the output terminal of the LNA, the method comprising: The gate of the second transistor is biased using a bias voltage; Receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal in the first frequency band; The first RF signal is input to the gate of the first transistor; as well as The first source inductor is magnetically coupled to the output inductor.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the output inductor is arranged next to the first source inductor to achieve magnetic coupling between the output inductor and the first source inductor.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor comprises magnetically coupling the first source inductor to the output inductor with a magnetic coupling coefficient between 0.05 and 0.3.

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