An Ultra-Compact and Reconfigurable X-band GaN-based Control MMIC for 5G Phased Array Transceivers

Abstract

Most of published phased arrays are designed for aerospace and military applications.Since phased arrays has become one of the new technologies for 5G, new designs of phased array need to be carried out for 5G applications. A phased array Transmit/Receive Module (TRM) for 5G was proposed by our research group. This TRM comprises of a control MMIC and a front-end module. This thesis proposes an ultra-compact and reconfigurable X-band control MMIC, consisting of a SPDT switch, a 5-bit digital phase shifter and a 5-bit digital attenuator, for 5G phased array transceivers based on the 0.15-µm GaN HEMT process. To ensure this work is fabrication-driven design, characterization of the fabricated GaN HEMTs, in which it shows the agreements between the design kit model and measurement results, is illustrated first. Layout dimensions indicate the proposed control MMIC occupies an area size of 2 mm × 4 mm including RF and DC pads.ii Acknowledgements I would like to take the chance to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for several individuals. Without them, I will not have the opportunity to devote to my research interest and persist to achieve my goals.