Generalized analysis of coupled lines in multilayer microwave MCM-D technology-application: integrated coplanar Lange couplers

Abstract

In this paper, the design and realization of coplanar Lange couplers integrated in a multilayer thin-film multichip module deposition (MCM-D) technology is discussed. The MCM-D technology has been well established for the interconnection of high-speed digital circuits, and is now being recognized to be very useful for the integration and interconnection of microwave components. In this way, passive structures, such as spiral inductors, filters, and couplers, may be realized efficiently and more cost effective in MCM-D compared to monolithic microwave integrated circuits. The presented coplanar Lange couplers have been designed using an equivalent coupled-line model. A general and computational efficient method for the determination of the required modal characteristic impedances and the related geometrical parameters in a microwave multilayer coupled-line topology is presented. Also, a way to calculate the optimum coupled line length is given. Using the described method, coplanar Lange couplers have been realized and then measured. Comparison between the measurement results and HP Momentum simulations show good agreement and indicate the feasibility of designing and integrating such components in MCM-D.

Integration of CPW quadrature couplers in multilayer thin-film MCM-D

“…We can conclude that the prediction of the couplers performance using the quasi-TEM program and the method of Paolino is very good and better than previously published results: an amplitude balance of 0 dB was targeted in [15], while the measurements indicate an amplitude balance of 0.8 dB with a return loss of 15 dB.…”

“…The multiconductor multilayered structures are analyzed using the quasi-TEM method explained in [15] and [19]. The main advantage is that the optimization of the couplers geometry can be done in a fast and efficient way.…”

“…CPW-based Lange couplers have only recently received more attention. In [14] and [15], the classical microstrip design procedure is followed for the design of a CPW Lange coupler on a single and a multilayered substrate, respectively, while in [16], an experimental approach is being used. However, a comparison between different design methods and a discussion on the dependency of the circuit on planarization effects has not been given.…”

Accurate modeling of high-Q spiral inductors in thin-film multilayer technology for wireless telecommunication applications

“…However, recent developments have demonstrated that because of its excellent dimension control and the use of high-quality materials, this technology may be used for highfrequency analog applications. Integrated passive components [15]- [19], couplers [20], [21], baluns [21], [22], and even antennas at microwave frequencies [23]- [25] have been demonstrated in MCM-D. Furthermore, the first complete MCM-D RF subsystem demonstrator modules are also being developed [26], [27].…”

Design and characterization of CPW feedthroughs in multi-layer thin-film MCM-D

“…The parameters of the multilayer microstrip line can be determined using an in-house developped quasi-TEM program able to calculate the transmission line parameters of a multi-conductor transmission line in a multilayer substrate. The thickness of the metal layers is also accurately taken into account 10 . The charactersitic impedances, of the intrinsic feedthrough as a function of the selected metal-layer and the stripwidth, are summarized in Table 1.…”