A 3GHz, 32 dB CMOS Limiting Amplifier for SONET OC-48 Receivers

A CMOS limiting amplifier with a bandwidth of 3 GHz, a gain of 32 dB, and a sensitivity of 2.2 mV sub (pp) (@ BER = 10 sup (-12)) consumes 53mW and is fabricated in a standard 2.5 V, 0.25 micron CMOS technology. Inversely scaled amplifier stages and active inductors with a low voltage drop are used.