Title :
A novel tuning technique for RF phase arrays using fully-integrated monolithic AC-coupled 1-D VCO network
Author :
Lopez, J. ; Lie, D.Y.C. ; Cothern, J. ; Neff, J. ; Meadow, B.K.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, TX
Abstract :
An integrated circuit design and analysis of a fully monolithic 1-Dimensional (1-D) AC-coupled voltage-controlled-oscillators (VCOs) network for potential applications on phase array antennas is presented. This fully monolithic RF VCO array integrates inductors with on-chip bias current sources and contains an odd number of VCOs AC-coupled through switchable resistor arrays. Our design can control the phasing of this on-chip VCO-array by means of tuning the edge elements and/or by varying the coupling strength via different resistor values. SPICE simulation shows promising results allowing phase and amplitude configurations across the array offering high directivity and a possible element-to-element phase tuning arrangement that can be achieved by simply manipulating the on-chip coupling network with edge VCOs tuning. Moreover, simulation data shows that these conditions allow a ~plusmn20deg coverage from broadside without the need for phase shifters or additional circuitry complexity. This AC-coupled 1-D VCO array, therefore, shows great potential for RF active antennas applications to perform wide angle beam steering for the highly used S-band.
Keywords :
active antennas; antenna phased arrays; circuit complexity; circuit tuning; integrated circuit design; voltage-controlled oscillators; RF active antennas; RF phase arrays; SPICE simulation; circuitry complexity; element-to-element phase tuning; fully-integrated monolithic AC-coupled 1D VCO network; integrated circuit design; phase array antennas; switchable resistor arrays; voltage-controlled-oscillators network; Antenna arrays; Circuit analysis; Circuit optimization; Inductors; Integrated circuit synthesis; Phased arrays; Radio frequency; Resistors; Voltage; Voltage-controlled oscillators;
Conference_Titel :
Military Communications Conference, 2008. MILCOM 2008. IEEE
Conference_Location :
San Diego, CA
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-2676-8
Electronic_ISBN :
978-1-4244-2677-5
DOI :
10.1109/MILCOM.2008.4753451