Methods to Characterize Radiation Patterns of WR5 Band Integrated Antennas in a Flip-Chip Enhanced QFN Package

Abstract

Radiation pattern measurements of a millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna integrated in a package possesses several challenges due to its miniaturized size, available feeding methods, and inherent structural limitations of the package that calls for an innovative solution. This paper discusses two novel approaches to feed a wideband antenna fabricated inside a flip-chip enhanced QFN (FCeQFN) using a standard waveguide in the frequency range of 140GHz to 220GHz. The two approaches support the proposed antenna characterization methodology by achieving a 41.25% and 100% of −10dB bandwidth with a maximum attenuation of 3dB and 3.34dB, respectively. Further, we discuss the performance comparison of these transitions along with their implementation feasibility. A brief description of measurement structures and antenna radiation pattern analysis for a slot bow-tie antenna is reported.