CMOS mixer design with micromachined input matching circuits for wireless applications

This paper demonstrates a new high quality and low cost double-balanced Gilbert mixer using CMOS-based MEMS technology. MEMS integrating matching circuits improve the performance of the mixer. The simulation shows 30% improved of inductor series resistance (from 15.828 ohms to 10.224 ohms @ 1GHz) with MEMS technology. An EM inductors model simulation is established. Both square and octagonal inductors with and without micromachined process are simulated and compared. Simulation result shows the mixer with octagonal inductor and micromachined process improved, in dB, a 25.4% in insertion loss, an 11.8% increase in conversion gain, a 42.45% in third intercept point (IIP3) and an 11.96% improvement in noise figure (NF)