Noise-Figure Measurement of Differential Amplifiers Using Nonideal Baluns Articles uri icon

publication date

  • June 2011

start page

  • 1658

end page

  • 1664

issue

  • 6

volume

  • 59

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0018-9480

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1557-9670

abstract

  • This paper analyzes the noise and gain measurement of microwave differential amplifiers using two passive baluns. A general model of the baluns is considered, including potential losses and phase/amplitude unbalances. This analysis allows de-embedding the actual gain and noise performance of the isolated amplifier by using single-ended measurements of the cascaded system and baluns. Finally, measured results from two amplifier prototypes are used to validate the theoretical principles.This paper analyzes the noise and gain measurement of microwave differential amplifiers using two passive baluns. A general model of the baluns is considered, including potential losses and phase/amplitude unbalances. This analysis allows de-embedding the actual gain and noise performance of the isolated amplifier by using single-ended measurements of the cascaded system and baluns. Finally, measured results from two amplifier prototypes are used to validate the theoretical principles.