A Methodology Improving Off-Chip, Lumped RF Impedance Matching Network Response Accuracy

Abstract

Impedance matching is concurrent with any radio frequency (RF) circuit design and is essential for maximizing the gain and efficiency while minimizing the noise of high-frequency amplifiers as well as some mixer topologies. The main impedance matching network components are capacitors, inductors, and RF transformers all of which contain parasitic parameters that influence the matching response S11 curve. After calculating matching network component values using classical matching techniques, the measured and simulated response curves differ depending on the target frequency. This results in multiple calculations and measurement cycles in order to precisely match the source and load at the desired frequency. This article proposes an algorithm and methodology of estimating component parasitic parameters and taking them into account when calculating the main component parameters (capacitance and inductance). The proposed algorithm has been implemented as a toolbox in Cadence Virtuoso and verified through simulation and measurements. Measurement results show, that at 500 MHz 10% tolerance components with parasitics included and values based on classical theory provide a 3.2–9.8% offset from the target frequency. In the same conditions, matching networks with compensated (according to the proposed algorithm) values provide 0.1–8.8% target frequency offset. At 1500 MHz 10% components provided 4–12.3% (non-compensated) and 1–8.7% (compensated) target frequency offset ranges. At 3000 MHz. The frequency offset range of using compensated matching network component values is reduced from 5.5–15.1% to 1.3–8.1%.

Mid-band 5G wireless network power amplifier research

“…Four of the published five papers are included in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science database. Papers (Vasjanov & Barzdenas 2018, Oct.) and (Vasjanov & Barzdenas 2018, Sep.) have been published in a second quartile (Q2) journal with an impact factor 2.11 (2017). Paper (Vasjanov & Barzdenas 2016) has been published in a fourth quartile (Q4) journal with an impact factor of 0.476 (2017).…”

“…The research results presented in this chapter have been included in a Clarivate Analytics Web of Science databases referred publication (Vasjanov & Barzdenas 2018, Sep.) with a citation index.…”

Internet of Things: A Review on Theory Based Impedance Matching Techniques for Energy Efficient RF Systems

“…Indeed, today's packaging constraints often prevent engineers to use standard components with specific sizes, leading to complex computer aided (CAD) design methods or to inefficient designs that prevent scalability of IoT networks. Hence, some works have proposed theory-based impedance matching guidelines in a general context [34][35][36][37] or for specific applications, such as dual-band matching [38] or adaptative impedance matching [39,40]. Similarly, engineering solutions to improve RF systems' efficiency usually uses linear matching networks with lumped elements and elementary transmission lines elements done by means of Smith Chart techniques.…”

Design of an Oscillation-Based BIST System for Active Analog Integrated Filters in 0.18 µm CMOS

“…In other works, the oscillation based built-in self-test (OBIST) method has been implemented in low operating frequency filters [9], tested on discrete boards [5,6], thus implementation in CMOS technology has not been analyzed. In other studies, the proposed test method has been implemented in CMOS technology [10][11][12] and investigated on feedback circuit impedance matching [13], but investigation on different structures of filters and natural, non-pre-tuned fault estimation systems, is limited. It is also common to use fault tables [14] for pre-simulated systems, but this approach is not suitable when CUT is composed of large number of components or when there is a need for universal and easy implementation in different structure testing systems.…”