Automatic Impedance Matching Control Concepts for Sub-THz Amplifiers

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Frank Ellinger
• Subject Area: Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2014 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 254847389

AIM studies novel approaches for the control of the small signal impedance matching of amplifiers operating up to sub-THz frequencies (100-300 GHz). To enable full integration of the control unit and the amplifier on a single chip, we explore novel concepts, which require e.g. only one test frequency for the self-calibration to get maximum gain. The automatic control shall enable higher yield and performance, lower costs, simpler design and multi-standard operation for sub-THz circuits. Accordingly, the impedance matching networks and impedance control devices are investigated and optimized. Theories and models are extended regarding the effects and losses arising at such high frequencies. Very fast BiCMOS technology is applied for the verification of the concepts.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants