Sunday, March 29, 2015

AFRL Wright Pat wants flexible R/T RF front end

Hwang - GHz-THz Electronics - Spring Review 2012
Reconfigurable Electronics for Multifunction Agile RF (REMAR)
Solicitation Number: BAA-RQKSE-2015-0006
: Presolicitation 
Agency: Department of the Air Force
Office: Air Force Materiel Command
Location: AFRL/RQK - WPAFB
: Added: Mar 27, 2015 2:27 pm
The objective is to conduct applied R&D to develop and demonstrate leap-ahead agile RF front-end systems with multi-function transmit / receive technology by employing reconfigurable RF & mixed-signal components which enable integrated Radar, Communications, & EW suites within a single platform. Salient features of the REMAR module are
  1. configurable system architecture,
  2. adaptable frequency plan,
  3. tunable instantaneous bandwidth,
  4. scalable DC & RF power, and
  5. agile waveform.
Critical performance goals for the system include ultra wide bandwidth, high dynamic range, low phase noise, environmental compensation, on-chip calibration to enable autonomous adaptation, & precise bias control. Ultimately, the REMAR technology will result in a highly flexible system with dramatic cost, size, weight, and power (CSWAP) reduction for future advanced sensor technology critical to the warfighter.

References

Malmqvist, R.; Ouacha, A.; Erickson, R., "Multi-Band and Reconfigurable Front-Ends for Flexible and Multi-Functional RF Systems," Microwave Conference, 2007. APMC 2007. Asia-Pacific , vol., no., pp.1,4, 11-14 Dec. 2007
doi: 10.1109/APMC.2007.4554995
Abstract: This report summarizes some of the recent results at FOI with respect to multi-band and reconfigurable front-ends for flexible and multi-functional RF systems. Firstly, we report on a frequency agile X-band smart skin digital beamforming antenna based on using an 8-10 GHz tunable active filter and an image rejection mixer in a receiver GaAs MMIC. Secondly, we have also investigated the possibility of using RF MEMS based reconfigurable matching networks for realizing tunable bandpass LNAs with even wider tuning ranges (e.g. 6-10 GHz could be possible according to our simulations). Finally, we study a system concept for a Ka-band multi-functional electronically steerable antenna (ESA) on a small UAV based on using sub-arrays with low-loss MEMS phase shifters. The results show that adequate RF performance (in terms of 2 dB of average losses at 35 GHz) can be possible to achieve with a Ka-band 4-bits MEMS phase shifter design made on quartz.
keywords: {III-V semiconductors;MMIC mixers;MMIC phase shifters;adaptive antenna arrays;airborne radar;aircraft antennas;beam steering;gallium arsenide;integrated circuit design;low noise amplifiers;micromechanical devices;microwave antenna arrays;microwave filters;microwave receivers;radar antennas;remotely operated vehicles;GaAs;Ka-band multifunctional ESA;RF MEMS based reconfigurable matching networks;SiO2;UAV;digital beamforming antenna;electronically steerable antenna;flexible RF systems;frequency 8 GHz to 10 GHz;frequency agile X-band smart skin;image rejection mixer;low-loss MEMS phase shifter design;multiband front-ends;multifunctional RF systems;quartz;receiver MMIC;reconfigurable front-ends;tunable active filter;tunable bandpass LNA;Active filters;Array signal processing;Gallium arsenide;MMICs;Micromechanical devices;Phase shifters;Radio frequency;Radiofrequency microelectromechanical systems;Receiving antennas;Skin;Multi-Band;Multi-Functional;RF Front-Ends},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4554995&isnumber=4554523

Chabod, Luc; Galaup, Philippe, "Shared resources for airborne multifunction sensor systems," Radar Systems (Radar 2012), IET International Conference on , vol., no., pp.1,4, 22-25 Oct. 2012
doi: 10.1049/cp.2012.1669
Abstract: Technical improvements will soon give the capacity to build multifunction systems which are scalable, open and adaptable to various kinds of platforms, thanks to a generic architecture based on sensor panels. Therefore, the combined use of several such sensor panels on a platform will give access to all the major RF functions which are needed in a modern military asset, which includes radar, electronic warfare as well as RF functions contributing to communication and navigation purposes.
keywords: {Multifunction;RF systems;airborne;resources},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6494825&isnumber=6494711

Huizing, A.G., "Scalable multifunction RF system: Combined vs. separate transmit and receive arrays," Radar Conference, 2008. RADAR '08. IEEE , vol., no., pp.1,6, 26-30 May 2008
doi: 10.1109/RADAR.2008.4720996
Abstract: A scalable multifunction RF (SMRF) system allows the RF functionality (radar, electronic warfare and communications) to be easily extended and the RF performance to be scaled to the requirements of different missions and platforms. This paper presents the results of a trade-off study with respect to the combination or separation of the transmit and receive arrays of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna as part of an SMRF system. The conclusion of a trade-off analysis is that the decision to separate or combine the transmit and receive function in a single antenna depends on the RF functions that are going to be combined. If only radar functions such as surveillance and target tracking are to be combined, there is a preference for combined transmit/receive antennas. If RF functions such as satellite communications and direction finding are to be combined with radar functions, there is an inclination towards separate transmit and receive antennas.
keywords: {antenna arrays;active electronically scanned array antenna;receive array;scalable multifunction RF system;transmit array;Antenna accessories;Antenna arrays;Electronic warfare;Radar antennas;Radar tracking;Radio frequency;Receiving antennas;Spaceborne radar;Surveillance;Transmitting antennas;Radar;multifunction;phased array},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4720996&isnumber=4720717

Rodgers, J.S., "Technologies for RF photonics in wideband multifunction systems," Avionics, Fiber-Optics and Photonics Conference (AVFOP), 2013 IEEE , vol., no., pp.7,8, 1-3 Oct. 2013
doi: 10.1109/AVFOP.2013.6661596
Abstract: RF photonics technologies will enable future wideband multifunction systems used in electronic warfare, communications, sensing, and radar applications to become easily reconfigured and cover broad regions of the spectrum. Photonics allow broad regions of the spectrum to be covered with a single link. Tuning the optical oscillator enables a down conversion of the signal to a common IF, reducing the number of components required as a single receiver can be used to cover the whole spectrum. RF-over-fiber enables heavy stove-piped RF cabling tied to specific frequencies to be replaced by lightweight fiber that can be used for any RF frequency. Integrated photonics technology can provide the ultra stable oscillators needed for future systems, enabling today's specialized laboratory-only equipment to fielded in future systems. Photonic mixing and switching technology enables apertures to be used for multifunctions (like RADAR and communications) without having to change the “boxes” generating and processing the signals. RF photonic technology can enable broadly tunable receivers and transmitters that can provide wide instantaneous bandwidth (BW) anywhere over broad ranges of spectrum with a single receiver. These technologies will allow future systems to be adaptable to a broad range of capabilities, enabling the hardware to be easily reconfigurable depending on the application and mission need.
keywords: {integrated optoelectronics;microwave photonics;optical receivers;optical transmitters;optical tuning;radio receivers;radio transmitters;radio-over-fibre;RF frequency;RF photonic technology;RF-over-fiber;communication application;electronic warfare application;heavy stove-piped RF cabling;integrated photonics;lightweight fiber;optical oscillator;photonic mixing technology;photonic switching technology;radar application;sensing application;single receiver;transmitters;tunable receivers;ultrastable oscillators;wideband multifunction systems;Lithium niobate;Modulation;Oscillators;Photonics;Radio frequency;Sensitivity;Silicon},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6661596&isnumber=6661575

Mirzajani, H.; Pourmand, A.; Aghdam, E.N.; Ghavifekr, H.B., "Frequency agile MEMS patch antenna for reconfigurable RF front-ends," Electrical Engineering (ICEE), 2014 22nd Iranian Conference on , vol., no., pp.393,398, 20-22 May 2014
doi: 10.1109/IranianCEE.2014.6999571
Abstract: A new micromachined electro-thermally driven more mechanically stable compact frequency tunable microstrip patch antenna is demonstrated in this paper. The antenna structure employs the idea of introducing an adjustable air gap between suspended antenna patch and fixed ground plane. The patch of the antenna is a 3×3mm2 golden layer and is deposited over a 3mm×3mm×4μm bulk micromachined silicon membrane which is connected to the silicon chip through electro-thermal micro-actuators and meandered springs. These actuators are employed to precisely adjust the air gap height by voltage levels compatible with CMOS circuitries. Downward deflection produced by micro-actuators deflects the suspended silicon membrane downward toward the fixed ground plane. This deflection reduces the air gap height and consequently, operating frequency of the antenna. To enhance mechanical stability of the antenna structure against environmentally induced mechanical perturbations such as vibrations and shocks, embedded slits and slots are created on the antenna patch and suspended silicon membrane to decrease effective mass of the suspended structure. The up-state operating frequency of the antenna is 15.12GHz which continuously can be lowered to 14.62GHz. A tuning range of 500MHz is achieved by a CMOS compatible actuation voltage of 1.25V. The RF performance of the antenna and its mechanical behavior is investigated by FEM analysis and satisfactory results are obtained.
keywords: {CMOS integrated circuits;elemental semiconductors;finite element analysis;mechanical stability;microactuators;micromachining;microstrip antenna arrays;silicon;CMOS;FEM analysis;MEMS patch antenna;RF front-ends;Si;antenna patch;electro-thermal microactuators;frequency 14.62 GHz;frequency 15.12 GHz;frequency 500 MHz;frequency tunable microstrip patch antenna;mechanical stability;size 3 mm;size 4 mum;voltage 1.25 V;Actuators;Dielectric constant;Micromechanical devices;Radio frequency;Silicon;Slot antennas;Electro-thermal microactuator;Frequency tuning;Mechanical stability;Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS);Micromachining;Microstrip patch antenna;reconfigurable front-end},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6999571&isnumber=6999486

Cerny, C.L.A., "Wideband Agile Receiver: An Integrated Photonic Electronic Digital Receiver for RF Sensing," Avionics, Fiber-Optics and Photonics Technology Conference, 2007 IEEE , vol., no., pp.13,14, 2-5 Oct. 2007
doi: 10.1109/AVFOP.2007.4365724
Abstract: The Wideband Agile Receiver (WAR) merges advanced photonics and a high dynamic range digital receiver to create a novel hardware prototype for the sensing and communication systems that are the 'eyes and ears' of the war fighter. Unlike conventional receivers, WAR employs a photonics front end using an advanced electro-absorption modulator (EAM) developed at Lockheed Martin's Commercial Space Systems (CSS). A benefit of the photonics front end is the flexibility to decentralize radio frequency (RF) sensors on a mobile platform and to route the received signals via fiber optics to a central location for digital processing. In addition, WAR leverages an ultra-high frequency (UHF) sampling digital receiver developed under the DARPA Advanced Digital Receiver Technology program along with a new digital signal processing integrated circuits developed at Lockheed Martin's MS2. The integration of these enabling technologies opens the possibility for new RF receiver architectures that enhance the detection of RF signals of interest over a wider frequency spectrum crowded with strong RF energy or environmental interference.
keywords: {digital radio;integrated optoelectronics;radio receivers;wireless sensor networks;Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems;RF sensing;digital processing;electroabsorption modulator;fiber optics;integrated photonic electronic digital receiver;photonics front end;ultrahigh frequency sampling digital receiver;war fighter;wideband agile receiver;Dynamic range;Ear;Eyes;Hardware;Integrated circuit technology;Optical receivers;Optoelectronic and photonic sensors;Prototypes;Radio frequency;Wideband},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4365724&isnumber=4365710

Kouki, A.B.; Masri, I.; Gagnon, F.; Thibeault, C., "On the embedded vector RF measurements in frequency agile and reconfigurable front-ends," Design and Technology of Integrated Systems in Nanoscale Era (DTIS), 2010 5th International Conference on , vol., no., pp.1,5, 23-25 March 2010
doi: 10.1109/DTIS.2010.5487547
Abstract: Emerging intelligent and reconfigurable radiofrequency front-ends require the use of embedded vector measurements to ensure their proper tuning and operation at the frequency of choice. Alternative solutions for embedded vector measurements are briefly reviewed and a new wideband, non directional four-port reflectometer for vector reflection coefficient measurement is proposed. The four-port is based on two nondirectional low coupling RF samplers judiciously placed on a transmission line. The principle and the basic theory governing the 4-port operation are presented. Experimental measurements using the proposed reflectometer are compared to simulations as well as measurements using commercial vector network analyzers for a wide range of loads. Good agreement is obtained with an error not exceeding 0.8 dB6∠6°.
keywords: {radiofrequency measurement;4-port operation;embedded vector RF measurements;frequency agile front-ends;non directional four-port reflectometer;radio technologies;reconfigurable front-ends;vector reflection coefficient measurement;Chromium;Electric variables measurement;Electromagnetic spectrum;Frequency measurement;Integrated circuit measurements;MIMO;Phase measurement;Phased arrays;Radio frequency;Transmission line measurements},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5487547&isnumber=5487535

Djoumessi, E.E.; Ke Wu, "Reconfigurable RF front-end for frequency-agile direct conversion receivers and cognitive radio system applications," Radio and Wireless Symposium (RWS), 2010 IEEE , vol., no., pp.272,275, 10-14 Jan. 2010
doi: 10.1109/RWS.2010.5434205
Abstract: A reconfigurable direct conversion receiver front-end for GSM and WLAN bands (1.9 and 2.4 GHz) is proposed and demonstrated for cognitive radio system applications. The RF front-end platform makes use of a silicon varactor-tuned bandpass filter in connection with a tunable six-port demodulator. Varactor diodes of both of the tunable structures are independently biased using two different sets of supply voltage. The demodulation of phase-shift-keying (PSK) signals at a bit rate of 40 Mbps is achieved by using wideband power detectors. An experimental test bench of the proposed receiver is realized, and QPSK and 8PSK signal constellations are measured at the center-operating frequencies of 1.9 and 2.4 GHz for different noise levels.
keywords: {cognitive radio;demodulators;frequency agility;quadrature phase shift keying;radio receivers;radiotelephony;varactors;wireless LAN;GSM;QPSK;Varactor diodes;WLAN bands;cognitive radio system;frequency-agile direct conversion receivers;phase-shift-keying signals;reconfigurable RF front-end;silicon varactor-tuned bandpass filter;tunable six-port demodulator;tunable structures;Band pass filters;Cognitive radio;Demodulation;Frequency conversion;GSM;Phase shift keying;Radio frequency;Receivers;Silicon;Wireless LAN;Tunable bandpass filter;cognitive radio system;phase shift keying;six-port receiver;tunable demodulator;varactor diode},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5434205&isnumber=5434082

Yue Liu; Yunkai Deng, "CARMSAR—A Compact and Reconfigurable Miniature SAR system for high resolution remote sensing," Synthetic Aperture Radar, 2012. EUSAR. 9th European Conference on , vol., no., pp.294,297, 23-26 April 2012
Abstract: Department of Space Microwave Remote Sensing System, Institute of Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IECAS) is developing a Compact And Reconfigurable Miniature Synthetic Aperture Radar (CARMSAR) system with light weight, low cost, and high resolution. The system is based on Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) techniques. Due to the ultra mini size and light weight, the CARMSAR system will be mounted on a Small-size Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (S-UAV) platform, and will provide agile reaction and capability of high-resolution imaging in all-day and all-weather conditions. Therefore, it promises different potential applications such as pollution detection, natural risks prevention, fire prevention, traffic control, and environmental monitoring. In this paper, we will describe the concept, system design and signal processing issues of the CARMSAR prototype, and finally presents an image conceived through an experimentional campaign, where this system was onboard a vehicle travelling on the sixth-ring road in Beijing, China.
keywords: {Azimuth;Microwave imaging;Receiving antennas;Remote sensing;Signal resolution;Synthetic aperture radar},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6217062&isnumber=6215928

Malmqvist, R.; Rantakari, P.; Samuelsson, C.; Lahti, M.; Cheng, S.; Saijets, J.; Vähä-Heikkilä, T.; Rydberg, A.; Varis, J., "RF MEMS based impedance matching networks for tunable multi-band microwave low noise amplifiers," Semiconductor Conference, 2009. CAS 2009. International , vol.1, no., pp.303,306, 12-14 Oct. 2009
doi: 10.1109/SMICND.2009.5336539
Abstract: In this paper, we present different types of reconfigurable RF MEMS based matching networks intended for frequency-agile (multi-band) LNAs. Measured results of 2-bits matching networks show a centre frequency tuning range of 2-3 GHz (10-13%) around 20 GHz and 1.5-2.0 dB of minimum losses. Simulated tunable LNA results based on measured data of the RF MEMS matching networks show the possibilities of achieving similar high gain, good matching and low NF over the whole tuning range. The results demonstrate the potential of using RF MEMS switches for the realization of tunable LNAs at microwave and millimetre-wave frequencies.
keywords: {circuit tuning;impedance matching;low noise amplifiers;microswitches;microwave amplifiers;microwave switches;MEMS switches;RF MEMS based matching networks;frequency 2 GHz to 3 GHz;frequency-agile LNA;impedance matching;loss 1.5 dB to 2.0 dB;tunable multiband microwave low noise amplifier;Frequency measurement;Gain measurement;Impedance matching;Loss measurement;Low-noise amplifiers;Microwave amplifiers;Noise measurement;Radiofrequency amplifiers;Radiofrequency microelectromechanical systems;Tuning},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5336539&isnumber=5336525

Werquin, A.; Frappe, A.; Kaiser, A., "A multi-path multi-rate CMOS polar DPA for wideband multi-standard RF transmitters," Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium (RFIC), 2013 IEEE , vol., no., pp.327,330, 2-4 June 2013
doi: 10.1109/RFIC.2013.6569595
Abstract: A two-path digital power amplifier (DPA) in 1.2V 65nm CMOS is presented. This highly reconfigurable and frequency agile block is designed to be used as an envelope modulator in a wideband multi-standard polar transmitter. Each path is composed of a 12-bit DPA ensuring the modulation of the envelope of the RF signal. The DPAs are controlled by envelope code words (ECW) at different sample rates. This diversity strongly attenuates the images produced by the direct digital to RF conversion, avoiding passive filtering. The baseband sample rate conversion can easily be reconfigured. The proposed front-end can manage spurious emissions depending on the standard, the carrier frequency and the required power. The DPAs also integrate active input impedance compensation cells in order to limit the input impedance modulation when switching the DPA cells. The two-path DPA covers a 0.9-1.9 GHz bandwidth with 16.7dBm output 1dB compression point and 12.4% PAE. 64-QAM presents -28dB EVM while active area occupies 1 × 0.25 mm2.
keywords: {CMOS integrated circuits;UHF power amplifiers;modulators;passive filters;quadrature amplitude modulation;radio transmitters;64-QAM;ECW;RF conversion;active input impedance compensation cells;bandwidth 0.9 GHz to 1.9 GHz;baseband sample rate conversion;envelope code words;envelope modulator;frequency agile block;multipath multirate CMOS polar DPA;passive filtering;reconfigurable block;size 65 nm;two-path digital power amplifier;voltage 1.2 V;wideband multistandard RF transmitters;wideband multistandard polar transmitter;word length 12 bit;Attenuation;Frequency modulation;Impedance;OFDM;Radio frequency;Radio transmitters;Cognitive Radio (CR);Lagrange interpolation;Multi-path;digital power amplifier (DPA);multi-rate;multi-standard;polar transmitter;software-defined radio (SDR)},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6569595&isnumber=6569477

Majid, H.A.; Rahim, M.K.A.; Hamid, M.R.; Ismail, M.F., "Frequency agile microstrip patch to slot antenna," Microwave Conference Proceedings (APMC), 2012 Asia-Pacific , vol., no., pp.613,615, 4-7 Dec. 2012
doi: 10.1109/APMC.2012.6421681
Abstract: A frequency agile patch to slot antenna is proposed. The proposed antenna is consisted of a microstrip patch and a slot in the ground plane. Seven switches using RF PIN diode BAR 52-02 positions at the slot to produce seven reconfigurable frequencies at 1.87 GHz, 1.96 GHz, 2.08 GHz, 2.2 GHz, 2.41 GHz, 2.74 GHz and 3.19 GHz. The patch resonates at the highest resonant frequency whereas the slot resonates at the lower resonant frequencies. It was found that, at the highest frequency the radiation pattern is directional while at the lower frequencies, a near omni-directional radiation patterns are obtained. Simulated and measured results are used to demonstrate the performance of the antenna.
keywords: {UHF antennas;UHF diodes;antenna radiation patterns;directive antennas;microstrip antennas;microwave diodes;microwave switches;p-i-n diodes;slot antennas;RF PIN diode BAR 52-02;antenna radiation pattern;directional antenna;frequency 1.87 GHz;frequency 1.96 GHz;frequency 2.08 GHz;frequency 2.2 GHz;frequency 2.41 GHz;frequency 2.74 GHz;frequency 3.19 GHz;frequency agile microstrip patch-to-slot antenna;ground plane;omnidirectional radiation patterns;resonant frequency;switches;Antenna measurements;Antenna radiation patterns;Loss measurement;Microstrip antennas;Radio frequency;Slot antennas;Frequency reconfigurable;Microstrip patch antenna;PIN diode;slot antenna},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6421681&isnumber=6421477

Malmqvist, R.; Samuelsson, C.; Rantakari, P.; Vähä-Heikkilä, T.; Smith, D.; Varis, J.; Baggen, R., "RF MEMS and MMIC based reconfigurable matching networks for adaptive multi-band RF front-ends," RF Front-ends for Software Defined and Cognitive Radio Solutions (IMWS), 2010 IEEE International Microwave Workshop Series on , vol., no., pp.1,4, 22-23 Feb. 2010
doi: 10.1109/IMWS.2010.5440973
Abstract: In this paper, we present GaAs MMIC based reconfigurable RF MEMS impedance matching networks for highly integrated (potentially single-chip) frequency-agile LNAs and adaptive multi-band front-ends. Such GaAs MMIC based RF MEMS LNA matching networks have been realized with a frequency tuning range of 40% (10-16 GHz and 15-23 GHz, respectively) and 1-3 dB of in-band losses. Simulated tunable LNA results based on measured data of GaAs MMIC MEMS matching circuits (and simulated data of MEMS matching networks made on quartz) show the potential of achieving a high gain and low in-band noise figure over such wide tuning ranges.
keywords: {III-V semiconductors;MMIC amplifiers;gallium arsenide;impedance matching;low noise amplifiers;micromechanical devices;radiofrequency amplifiers;GaAs MMIC;RF MEMS LNA matching network;adaptive multiband RF front-ends;frequency 10 GHz to 16 GHz;frequency 15 GHz to 23 GHz;integrated frequency-agile LNA;loss 1 dB to 3 dB;reconfigurable RF MEMS impedance matching network;Adaptive systems;Circuit optimization;Circuit simulation;Gallium arsenide;Impedance matching;MMICs;Micromechanical devices;Radio frequency;Radiofrequency microelectromechanical systems;Tuning;Low noise amplifiers;matching networks;radio frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS)},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5440973&isnumber=5440961

Fouladi, Siamak; Domingue, F.; Mansour, Raafat, "CMOS-MEMS tuning and impedance matching circuits for reconfigurable RF front-ends," Microwave Symposium Digest (MTT), 2012 IEEE MTT-S International , vol., no., pp.1,3, 17-22 June 2012
doi: 10.1109/MWSYM.2012.6259776
Abstract: Tunable radio-frequency microelectromechanical system (RF-MEMS) impedance matching networks for the compact implementation of reconfigurable RF front-ends for multistandard applications are presented in this paper. Different networks are presented which improve the overall performance in terms of power handling, size, insertion loss and DC power consumption by utilizing RF-MEMS technology. The integration of the RF-MEMS impedance matching networks in standard CMOS technologies is presented. The implementation of the tunable MEMS impedance matching networks with CMOS electronics on the same chip allows for fully integrated silicon solutions for future multi-band reconfigurable RF front-ends. To demonstrate reconfigurability at the system-level, reconfigurable RF amplifiers are presented based on the proposed MEMS tunable impedance matching networks.
keywords: {CMOS integrated circuits;CMOS technology;Impedance;Impedance matching;Micromechanical devices;Radio frequency;Standards;CMOS-MEMS integration;Radio-frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF-MEMS);reconfigurable RF front-ends;tunable impedance matching networks},
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6259776&isnumber=6257755

 

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