Impedance transformation circuit and overload protection for low noise amplifier

A front end system comprising:

• a low noise amplifier including a first inductor, an amplification circuit configured to receive a radio frequency signal by way of the first inductor and to amplify the radio frequency signal, and a second inductor magnetically coupled to the first inductor to provide negative feedback to linearize the low noise amplifier;
• an input switch having a control input arranged to control an impedance of the input switch, the input switch including a first throw coupled to the first inductor;
• and
• an overload protection circuit configured to provide a feedback signal to the control input of the input switch based on based on a signal level associated with the low noise amplifier.

A method of providing overload protection in a low noise amplifier system, the method comprising:

• amplifying a radio frequency signal using the low noise amplifier, the low noise amplifier including first and second inductors magnetically coupled to each other to provide negative feedback to linearize the low noise amplifier;
• detecting that a signal level associated with the radio frequency signal is indicative of an overload condition;
• and
• increasing an impedance of a switch coupled to an amplification circuit of the low noise amplifier responsive to said detecting to thereby provide overload protection.