TY - GEN
T1 - A novel tuning technique for RF phase arrays using fully-integrated monolithic ac-coupled 1-d VCO network
AU - Lopez, J.
AU - Lie, D. Y.C.
AU - Cothern, J.
AU - Neffand, J.
AU - Meadow, B. K.
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - An integrated circuit design and analysis of a fully monolithic 1-Dimensional (1-D) AC-coupled Voltage-Controlled-Oscillators (VCOs) network for potential applications on phase array antennas is presented. This fully monolithic RF VCO array integrates inductors with on-chip bias current sources and contains an odd number of VCOs AC-coupled through switchable resistor arrays. Our design can control the phasing of this on-chip VCO-array by means of tuning the edge elements and/or by varying the coupling strength via different resistor values. SPICE simulation shows promising results allowing phase and amplitude configurations across the array offering high directivity and a possible element-to-element phase tuning arrangement that can be achieved by simply manipulating the on-chip coupling network with edge VCOs tuning. Moreover, simulation data shows that these conditions allow a ∼±20° coverage from broadside without the need for phase shifters or additional circuitry complexity. This AC-coupled 1-D VCO array, therefore, shows great potential for RF active antennas applications to perform wide angle beam steering for the highly used S-band [1].
AB - An integrated circuit design and analysis of a fully monolithic 1-Dimensional (1-D) AC-coupled Voltage-Controlled-Oscillators (VCOs) network for potential applications on phase array antennas is presented. This fully monolithic RF VCO array integrates inductors with on-chip bias current sources and contains an odd number of VCOs AC-coupled through switchable resistor arrays. Our design can control the phasing of this on-chip VCO-array by means of tuning the edge elements and/or by varying the coupling strength via different resistor values. SPICE simulation shows promising results allowing phase and amplitude configurations across the array offering high directivity and a possible element-to-element phase tuning arrangement that can be achieved by simply manipulating the on-chip coupling network with edge VCOs tuning. Moreover, simulation data shows that these conditions allow a ∼±20° coverage from broadside without the need for phase shifters or additional circuitry complexity. This AC-coupled 1-D VCO array, therefore, shows great potential for RF active antennas applications to perform wide angle beam steering for the highly used S-band [1].
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=78650759620&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/MILCOM.2008.4753451
DO - 10.1109/MILCOM.2008.4753451
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:78650759620
SN - 9781424426775
T3 - Proceedings - IEEE Military Communications Conference MILCOM
BT - 2008 IEEE Military Communications Conference, MILCOM 2008 - Assuring Mission Success
T2 - 2008 IEEE Military Communications Conference, MILCOM 2008 - Assuring Mission Success
Y2 - 17 November 2008 through 19 November 2008
ER -