| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/J07594/01 |
| Title: |
MONOLITHIC MILLIMETRE WAVE INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AT 94 GHZ AND 140 GHZ |
| Principal Investigator: |
Jastrzebski, Mr A |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Engineering & Digital Arts |
| Organisation: |
University of Kent |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
21 September 1993 |
Ends: |
20 March 1997 |
Value (£): |
403,814
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| RF & Microwave Technology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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To investigate the technology, design, modelling and characterisation of multi-function monolithic millimetre-wave integrated circuits (M3ICs) at W and D bands. To design, manufacture and characterise millimetre-wave block downconverter chips to exemplify the capability of the methods investigated.Specific objectives of the University of Kent:(i) To develop design and simulation tools for multi-function M3ICs.(ii) To design M3IC low-noise amplifiers, mixers and complete downconverters.(iii) To develop a D-band multistate reflectometer using dielectric waveguides for on wafer measurements of M3ICs.Progress:Simulation tools for multi-function M3ICsA generalised 3-D electromagnetic TLM algorithm has been developed which allows partitioning of the electromagnetic structure into separate simulation blocks. Each block may have different mesh and other simulation parameters. An X-Window (Motif) user interface has been developed with a simple to use 3-D structure editor and field visualisation graphical routines. An automatic compilation of electromagnetic structures to generate input data to the TLM algorithm is almost completed as is also the algorithm for calculation of S-parameters, impedances, etc.The in-house GASSIM multimode simulator has been extended to include frequency-domain and noise analysis of linear networks. This will enable linking of GASSIM with the newly developed electromagnetic simulator.Design of M3ICsTechnical specification and a general structure of a complete 94GHz M3IC block downconverter have been identified. Due to substrate thickness and spurious modes considerations it has been decided to use a coplanar wave guide technology. A preliminary version of the 94GHz low-noise amplifier has been designed using p-HEMTs. The models for the design were based on an extensive range of passive and active device measurements and simulations performed by other partners in the project. The layout of the amplifier has been submitted for production at Cambridge and Glasgow Universities.A single-gate FET mixer was adopted for the design of the block downconverter. Preliminary design and the layout of the mixer have been completed and will be shortly submitted for manufacturing.D-band RF on wafer measurement systemA novel dielectric multistate reflectometer for 110-170GHz frequency band has been designed and constructed. The required dimensions and parameters of the various components of the reflectometer have been found by systematic analytical and/or numerical calculations. The reflectometer is currently being tested. The design procedure for D-band RF on-wafer probes has been started. In principle, the procedure involves similar steps as described above for the reflectometer, but accurate electromagnetic simulation of some of the probe parts is essential. Also, scaled models of the probe components are being built and measured to validate the design.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.kent.ac.uk |