Abstract: An LNA circuit for providing a wide range of gain while maintaining the output headroom. In a radio frequency (RF) receiver, the signal received by the receiver may be extremely small. For a transmitter in a short distance, the received signal may be relatively strong. A low power amplifier usually is used to amplify the input signal. The LNA has to be designed to accommodate a wide range of gain. A convention LNA circuit supporting a wide range of gain often suffers from reduced output headroom due to increased current through the load resistor. The present invention discloses the use of current bleeding branch to allow a portion of current to flow through the current bleeding branch and consequently reduces the current that would have flown through the load resistor. Consequently, the voltage across the load resistor may be maintained low to allow adequate output headroom.

Abstract: An LNA circuit for providing a wide range of gain while maintaining the output headroom. In a radio frequency (RF) receiver, the signal received by the receiver may be extremely small. For a transmitter in a short distance, the received signal may be relatively strong. A low power amplifier usually is used to amplify the input signal. The LNA has to be designed to accommodate a wide range of gain. A convention LNA circuit supporting a wide range of gain often suffers from reduced output headroom due to increased current through the load resistor. The present invention discloses the use of current bleeding branch to allow a portion of current to flow through the current bleeding branch and consequently reduces the current that would have flown through the load resistor. Consequently, the voltage across the load resistor may be maintained low to allow adequate output headroom.