Harmonic generation from integrated nonlinear transmission lines for RFID applications

Abstract

Self-interference has been a serious problem in passive RFID systems. We propose a new solution using nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) for efficient second and third harmonic generation. Three designs for different frequency bands, in discrete and distributed lines, are implemented in IBM 8RF 0.13μm CMOS process. The NLTL with Bragg cutoff frequency of 10 GHz shows −10 dBm second harmonic and −15 dBm third harmonic power by 0 dBm small signal input with a layout area of 0.4 mm by 1.8 mm. This demonstrates the advantages of compact size and passive operation of NLTL in RFID transponder applications. WE4A: RFID and Power Harvesting Technologies

On-chip demonstration of real time spectrum analysis (RTSA) using integrated dispersive delay line (IDDL)

“…Multiple buffers (shown in Fig. 3(b)) are added along the gate line and drain line to compensate for the on-chip loss of the delay cells (D) [8][9][10]. The gain of the gain cells and the buffers is adjusted through the biasing currents (shown in Fig.…”