A low local input 1.9 GHz Si-bipolar quadrature modulator with no adjustment

A 1.9 GHz quadrature modulator with an onchip 90° phase-shifter was fabricated using a silicon bipolar technology. This paper investigates error factors caused by a limiter amplifier. It is found that a gain enhancement technique in a phase-shifter circuit is effective in realizing an adjustment free quadrature modulator; we propose a new high-gain phase shifter circuit for this purpose. This technique employs a current mode interface and an on-chip inductor. An image-rejection ratio of over 45 dBc and a carrier feedthrough of below -40 dBc were attained at -15 dBm local oscillator power. This quadrature modulator operates at 2.7 V supply voltage. The operating frequency ranges from 1.2 GHz to 2.3 GHz. The die size of the quadrature modulator IC is 2.49 mm×2.14 mm