High Performance Amplifier in 130nm CMOS Technology using an Open Source Design Flow for 10Gbase-T Ethernet Transceivers

This article explores for the first time the feasibility of an open source high performance amplifier for IEEE 802.3an 10Gbase-T transceivers. The design is based on the 130nm Skywater PDK and was developed using only free open source tools. Post-layout simulations show that the amplifier is compatible with the 10Gbase-T specification, reaching a total harmonic distortion (THD) of −51.9dB and a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 60dB in typical corner. Finally, the open source design aim used here makes the HPA reproducible, modifiable and be directly usable as a sub-circuit in integrated circuit design projects.