Design of Small-signal Amplifiers Using HP MDS: Part I

Abstract

CAD tools can be effectively utilized to reduce the development cycle of RF circuits. For simple RF circuit design, these available tools are generally quite user friendly for the new user. However, as the complexity of the circuit increases, manuals for the CAD tools do not seem to help much and the user must determine ways to use the tools for solving his or her particular design problem. This article is the first of a two-part series that illustrates a step-by-step approach using the Hewlett-Packard Microwave Design System (HP MDS) to design small-signal amplifiers. Part I discusses innovative ways of setting up the HP MDS circuit page for the design and optimization of broadband matching circuits for small-signal amplifiers based on established theory. 1,2 Part II will cover the design of a variable-gain small-signal amplifier using techniques adapted from broadband matching theory. The associated HP MDS circuit pages also will be presented. This article is limited to simulated results, which are only as accurate as the various device models used in the simulation.