Single-chip transmit-receive module with a fully integrated differential RF-MEMS antenna switch and a high-voltage generator for F-band radars

Abstract

A single-chip solution for short-range F-band radar systems is presented. It is based on a Transmit-Receive (TR) module realized in a 130 nm BiCMOS process, with a fully integrated chain of Gilbert-cell frequency multipliers generating the required F-band carrier for both transmit and receive paths, a differential Single-Pole-Double-Throw (SPDT) switch that relies on novel differential RF Micro-Electro-Mechanical (RF-MEMS) switches and a High-Voltage (HV) generator providing the required charging and discharging 50 V signals for the RF-MEMS switches. Thanks to a dedicated compensation strategy, the radar module can be packaged using low-cost techniques and wire-bonded to an off-chip antenna without compromising the performance in the band of interest. To boost the link budget by 30 dB, dielectric lenses are used. Full functionality of the realized TR module has been experimentally confirmed, and characterizations of the SPDT switch components, such as RF-MEMS switch and balanced transmission lines were completed.