An Ultra-compact Bidirectional Ka-Band Front-End Module with 4.0-dB NF and 13.5-dBm OP1dB

Jian Zhang, Wei Zhu, Ruitao Wang, Chenguang Li, Sen Yin, Yan Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents an ultra-compact bidirectional Ka-band front-end module (FEM) by using foldedtransformer-based matching networks and transformer-based transmit/receive switches (TRSWs). This design uses 8-shaped folded transformer technique to cancel the magnetic coupling enabling transmit path can be folded to the receive path and the matching networks of power amplifier (PA) and low noise amplifier (LNA) can share a same footprint, which improves the area efficiency greatly with negligible performance penalty. Furthermore, the TRSW, which is composed of a three-inductor coupled resonator, realizes the functions of the balun, input matching network of the receiver (RX), and output matching network of the transmitter (TX) within only an inductor footprint. Implemented in 65-nm CMOS process, the FEM achieves 26 dB peak gain with a 4.0 dB minimum NF in RX mode, while it achieves peak gain of 26.5 dB and 15.1 dBm saturated output power (Psat) in TX mode in Ka-band. The core size of this proposed design is only 0.1 mm2 that is only 20% to 50% of the size occupied in prior works.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRFIT 2022 - 2022 IEEE International Symposium on Radio-Frequency Integration Technology
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages24-26
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9781665466493
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes
Event2022 IEEE International Symposium on Radio-Frequency Integration Technology, RFIT 2022 - Busan, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 29 Aug 202231 Aug 2022

Publication series

NameRFIT 2022 - 2022 IEEE International Symposium on Radio-Frequency Integration Technology

Conference

Conference2022 IEEE International Symposium on Radio-Frequency Integration Technology, RFIT 2022
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CityBusan
Period29/08/2231/08/22

Keywords

  • CMOS
  • bidirectional
  • folded transformer
  • front-end module
  • millimeter wave (mm-wave)
  • transformer-based
  • transmit/receive (T/R) switch

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