A novel phase-shifterless beam steering method for RF phase arrays using monolithic 1-D coupled-VCOs with integrated MOSFET switches

J. Lopez, D. Y.C. Lie, J. Cothern, J. Neff, B. K. Meadows

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

Abstract

A fully monolithic 1-Dimensional (1-D) AC-coupled Voltage-Controlled- Oscillators (VCOs) network design for phased-array applications will be presented in this paper. This radio-frequency (RF) VCO array integrates on-chip inductors, varactors, and bias current sources and it contains an odd number of VCOs (i.e., 3 or 5, etc.) AC-coupled through on-chip switchable resistor networks with MOSFETs. Realistic circuit simulations in IBM 7HP 0.18μm BiCMOS design kit indicate promising results of the 1-D coupled-VCO array. Based on the simulation data and the current measured data that has been consistent with the simulation results, our design is able to control the phasing of this on-chip VCO-array by means of tuning the edge elements and/or by varying the coupling strength via the resistive coupling network digitally controlled with the MOS switches. This AC-coupled 1-D VCO array shows some great potential for RF active antennas applications to perform wide angle beam steering without the need for bulky phase shifters for the highly utilized S-band.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2010 IEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology, Array 2010
Pages660-664
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event4th IEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology, Array 2010 - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Oct 12 2010Oct 15 2010

Publication series

NameIEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology

Conference

Conference4th IEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology, Array 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period10/12/1010/15/10

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