A monolithic direct-coupled GaAs IC amplifier with 12-GHz bandwidth

A two-stage feedback amplifier with direct connection between two stages has been developed for the 0.1-12-GHz frequency band. The measured gain is 10±1 dB with 2.5:1 input and 1.7:1 output VSWR. The measured minimum power output at 1-dB gain compression and maximum noise figure are 14 dBm and 9 dB, respectively, from 2 to 12 GHz. The chip size is less than 0.5 × 1.0 mm
²
and this area contains complete RF and bias circuitry. The amplifier also provides more than 25 dB of AGC capability.