Low-noise amplifiers for broadband receivers
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Omnisys Instruments Aktiebolag |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 500 000 |
| Project duration | December 2010 - March 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The aim of this project is to develop a low noise amplifier (LNA) of 2-14 Ghz for usage in a new type of receiver for radio astronomy. Omnisys´s receiver is developed in cooperation with Onsala Space Observatory and Chalmers and is based on the eleven-feed antenna technology developed at Chalmers. Modern BiCMOS process technology is an enabler for development of broad-band receivers with previously unattainable efficiency for usage in the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) telescopes, currently being built the world over.
Results and expected effects
Results from LNA measurements revealed results that it did not meet anticipations at first iteration. Gain of 20 dB were measured, 10-15 dB below target. 1-dB compression were around -15 dB and bandwidth around 11 GHz. The project has anyway generated a lot of experience and suggestions for future improvements. The goal was to be able to introduce a complete receiver with revolutionary properties to the world market. Such a receiver would enable quicker and more precise geodetic distance measurements and radio astronomical observations with unprecedented accuracy.
Approach and implementation
The project was executed in four parts, modelling, design, fabrication and measurements. The modelling phase was aimed at development of models of chosen components and establishment of design environments in Cadence and ADS. Design was performed in both environments in parallell iteratively. Tape-out was performed in an MPW-run through CMP. After confirming DC-values, substrate and enclosure were designed and manufactured for RF-tests in cryogenic temperatures. Room temperature tests were performed iteratively with improvements of enclosure, decoupling and biasing.