Towards Broadband D-Band Wireless Communication Systems using Beam Steering in SiGe BiCMOS Technology
Tim Maiwald, Katharina Kolb, Julian Potschka, Marco Dietz, Robert Weigel
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of key challenges and solutions for integrated circuits and system-integration in order to realize practical mm-wave wireless communication systems in D-band targeting data rates in the order of 100 Gbps with beam steering functionality. As key element for beam-controlled systems, the design and measurement results of a broadband, low power and digitally adjustable D-band phase shifter are presented. Additionally, system performance limits in different beam-steering architectures are derived. The presented vector modulator core exploits passive phase generation with synthesized high performance couplers, achieving a 360° phase control at a maximum power consumption of 25mW from a 2.5V supply and a maximum 3 dB bandwidth of 20 GHz. Because of its flat gain response and high control-resolution, the phase shifter can be operated within multiple multi-GHz sub-bands within the D-band.