Innovative techniques developed at Anadigics, a supplier of RFICs for wireless and broadband applications, has resulted in improved input matching at high and low gain settings. For that, it has been awarded a patent. Designated 6,803,824, the patent explains a new dynamic input matching technology for cascode circuits with the ability to improve input matching at high and low gain settings. In short, it describes a gain/impedance controller that generates a level setting gain control voltage, which controls the overall gain of the driver stage. As the gain changes, the gain/impedance controller changes the load impedance, preventing a changing match. Cascode amplifiers are known for excellent dynamic range, noise figures and reverse isolation. The technique is applicable to amplifiers based on CMOS process, as well as those using compound semiconductors like gallium arsenide (GaAs) technologies.

"As this innovation illustrates, we remain committed to the development of new technologies that will further strengthen our industry-leading RFIC design and development capabilities," said Charles Huang, executive vice president and chief technical officer at Anadigics.

Because impedance discontinuities can cause reflections in RF and microwave circuits, impedance matching is critical is such applications, according to the developer. Reflections in such circuits can collide to cause voltage spikes, or spurs, which may result in various undesirable effects such as poor reliability, poor stability or unpredictable high frequency behavior.

While the company plans to implement the technique is future designs, no details were available at the present time.

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