Analysis and Design of RF CMOS Attenuators

Attenuators are analyzed for their minimum Insertion Loss (IL), maximum attenuation and source-load matching performance. These results are used to make trade-offs in the design of a CMOS attenuator with wide dynamic range, designed and fabricated in a 0.13 mum CMOS process. The design employs two non-identical cascaded T-stages that are activated consecutively to improve linearity. The design operates in the frequency band of DC-2.5 GHz with 0.9-3.5 dB insertion loss and 42 dB maximum attenuation in the entire frequency range. Worst case S11 is - 8.2 dB across the frequency band. The design achieves an IIP3 of + 20 dBm at mid-attenuation.