On chip spatial power combining for short range millimeter-wave systems

Using spectrum around 60 GHz for high speed short range wireless systems has led to examination of antennas on chip. System analysis indicates that spatial power combining on chip may allow for a good combination of small size and compatibility with silicon amplifier performance indicates this approach may be the solution of choice. We have shown good agreement between modeled and measured performance for a candidate antenna element with three candidate elements shown which can achieve good gain in the frequency band of operation. Further, we have shown that system performance can be achieved in the very compact area of 7 x 7 mm² while using a reasonable upper limit on output power from a silicon amplifier in this band.