Monolithic integrated circuits for millimeter-wave phased-array applications

Monolithic active and passive circuit elements for millimeter-wave phased-array systems with state-of-the-art performance have been demonstrated. Some of the results obtained are presented, and recent achievements in the development of GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power and low-noise components are discussed. In active phased arrays, the power amplifiers and low-noise amplifiers for the transmit and receive channels, respectively, are distributed behind the radiating elements, together with the phase shifters, resulting in higher system efficiency and performance. Other components such as switches and receive protectors are also essential for transmit/receive radar applications. The active amplifiers require more stringent technology development than the passive circuits.<>