Integrated inductor modeling and CMOS low noise amplifiers for radio-frequency applications

A large demand for bandwidth, both for voice and data communication, has increased the need for high-speed systems. Specifically, a wireless revolution is establishing renewed standards and design requirements, such as higher operation frequencies and higher levels of integration.The improved performance of traditional technologies, such as CMOS, which used to be geared towards digital circuits running at lower frequencies, makes them now suitable for Radio-Frequency applications. The challenge is not only to design RF systems, but also to establish design methodologies for their building-blocks.This thesis is concerned with one of those building blocks, namely the low noise amplifier, when implemented using modern submicron CMOS technologies. The design of this circuit, as well as that of many of the RF building blocks, requires accurate integrated inductor modeling tools. The challenge of modeling inductors implemented in silicon technologies lies in the complex electro-magnetic behavior of these devices. A powerful modeling engine, McGill Inductor Modeler (MIND), was implemented for this purpose, and proven to be accurate and precise.The contribution of this work is twofold: First, proving that performant high-frequency CMOS RF LNA's could be achieved. Second, creating a powerful and versatile inductor modeling tool