Multilayer MMIC directional couplers using thin dielectric layers

In this paper, the properties of multilayer two-and three-strip asymmetric coupled lines are described using their coupled-mode parameters. Examples of quasi-ideal, microstrip, and coplanar directional couplers designed in monolithic and hybrid microwave integrated-circuit technology, consisting of various layered structures of bilevel and trilevel coupled lines, are presented together with experimental results for two 3-dB couplers on ceramic-filled polytetrafluoroethylen and polyimide laminates.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quasi-ideal multilayer two- and three-strip directional couplers for monolithic and hybrid MICs

Sachse

Sawicki

1999

“…However, in practice, some of the conductors serve as signal conductors, while others are not connected to any driving signal or ground plane (they act as floating elements), still others act as ground plane for the signal conductors. Floating conductor elements have already been described [30], but thus far they were never included in the calculations. From a practical point-of-view, we are only interested in the capacitance matrix for the signalcarrying conductors and their modes.…”

Section: ) Ground Conductors and Floating Conductorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Pieters

Brebels

Beyne

et al. 1999

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.

“…A coupler using reentrant sections can also be used to increase the coupling [17], [18] without decreasing the slots. The integration of reentrant section couplers in a low-cost MCM-D technology has, however, not been demonstrated, and the sensitivity of the design toward planarization effects has not been pointed out.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Carchon

Raedt

Nauwelaers

2001

In this paper, the design, integration, and measurement of quadrature couplers integrated in a multilayer thin-film multichip-module technology are discussed. We have investigated four-and six-finger coplanar-waveguide (CPW) Lange couplers and a coupler based on reentrant sections. Three methods for the design of CPW Lange couplers are compared for the first time. The method of Paolino consistently results in the best performance. The four-finger Lange coupler results in a 3.2+/ 0.2-dB coupling bandwidth from 10.8 to 14.9 GHz, with a return loss better than 18 dB and an isolation better than 20 dB. The six-finger Lange coupler results in a 3.2+/ 0.5-dB coupling bandwidth from 9.5 to 17 GHz, with a return loss and isolation better than 16 dB. The coupler using reentrant sections results in a 3.4+/ 1.1-dB coupling bandwidth from 6.9 to 18.8 GHz with a return loss and isolation better than 21 dB. It is shown that CPW Lange couplers are not sensitive to planarization effects, while for the design of couplers using reentrant sections, the effect should be taken into account. The Lange couplers have the additional advantage that they are easier to design, have a lower insertion loss, and can be very well predicted using method-of-moments simulations.