A Ka-Band Integrated Six-Port Chip for Analog Complex Correlator

Area of Science:

• Microwave Engineering
• Integrated Circuit Design

Background:

• Six-port technology is crucial for microwave systems like interferometric passive imaging.
• Existing systems can be simplified and miniaturized using integrated circuits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate an integrated Ka-band (32-36 GHz) six-port chip using 0.15-μm GaAs technology.
• To analyze the impact of amplifier crosstalk on correlation results and optimize phase shifter performance for broadband signals.

Main Methods:

• Integration of two amplifiers, two phase shifters, and a six-port circuit into a single chip.
• Design of a high-pass and low-pass phase shifter structure to ensure consistent phase shift across frequencies.
• Analysis of amplifier isolation influence on correlation outcomes.

Main Results:

• Achieved amplifier isolation greater than 20 dB.
• Measured phase shift range of 220° with a phase shift range error of 10° for the designed chip.
• Successful fabrication of the integrated Ka-band six-port chip.

Conclusions:

• The designed integrated six-port chip meets the stringent requirements for miniaturized imaging systems.
• The analysis of amplifier isolation and the design of the phase shifter contribute to improved performance.
• This work advances the development of compact and efficient microwave imaging systems.