Title:  Broadband Silicon-Germanium Integrated Circuits for Millimeter-Wave Communications Systems

Committee: 

Dr. Cressler, Advisor     

Dr. Ayazi, Chair

Dr. Shaolan Li

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is to investigate new circuit topologies for millimeter-wave and sub-millimeter wave integrated communications systems. To overcome the high free space path loss, emerging applications at millimeter-wave and sub-millimeter wave frequencies are driving the need for highly scalable systems. These systems require sub-circuits to operate power efficiently and with low loss. In addition, for high data rate communications, the circuits must maintain their performance over wide bandwidths. To overcome these strict requirements, we demonstrate two approaches to sub-circuit blocks uniquely suited to millimeter-wave frequencies. In the first work, for a D-band frequency doubler, a triaxial transmission line transformer with embedded harmonic reflector is demonstrated which achieves state-of-the-art performance in terms of output power and efficiency. In the next work, at V- and W-band frequencies, a wideband transformer-based distributed attenuator is demonstrated which exhibits low insertion loss and phase error over a wide frequency range while maintaining a high amplitude tuning range. The proposed research will continue this approach with the design and implementation of a wideband D-band power amplifier, D-band phase shifter, and D-band SPDT switch.