single-end vs. differential

[wdgch]

I try to compare the single-end and the differential receiver front-end(LNA+mixer+...). The advantages of the differential are well known, but it also consumes more current and silicon area. For a completely integrated receiver/transceiver, single-end topology can use regulators to improve the power supply isolation between different blocks, and thus improve the power supply rejection. So what other factors need to be considered to choose a single-end topology?

 

[brmadhukar]

Hi,
For the LNA you stick with single ended as power consumed will the critical issue and after the first stage downconversion you may go for differential stages.

Power consumption,
Matching at high frequency,
Implementation issues govern your choice.
BRM

 

[nathan]

In addition you may be constrained to LNA single input by the balun/duplexer in between LNA and antenna. However, it may be a good idea to make a single input differential output LNA so tha the mixer is fully differential.

nathan