Implementation of RF/microwave receiver components on a semi-custom silicon bipolar array

Abstract

The analog transistor array starCHIP-1 has been developed for rapid, cost-effective design and delivery of many RF/microwave components for applications to 5 GHz. The array is based on silicon bipolar devices with 10-GHz f/sub T/. and 20-GHz f/sub max/ and thin-film polysilicon resistors with low parasitic capacitance and excellent matching. An overview of the array topology and technology is presented. The implementation of receiver functions and their measured results are illustrated with a frequency doubler, a vector demodulator, a limiting amplifier and a phase detector with an on-chip voltage-controlled oscillator. All these components are wideband, require no external baluns, have 50- Omega input and output impedance matching, and operate from a single 5-V power supply.<>