A fully integrated W-band beamformer in 0.13-μm SiGe BiCMOS technology based on distributed true-time-delay architecture

Abstract

A 4:1 True-Time-Delay (TTD) beamformer architecture is proposed in this paper based on distributed circuit topology. This architecture and its dual form can be employed in both transmitter and receiver sides. Its implementation in a W-band imaging system has been demonstrated in 0.13-μm SiGe BiCMOS. The wideband variable delay of each path is controllable from Ops to 2ps with 0.45ps steps, corresponding to steering angle from -18° to +18° with a step of 4.5°.