Multiband Dual-Function CMOS RFIC Filter-Switches

This book presents the theory, analysis, and design of multiband dual-function microwave and millimeter-wave CMOS radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) filter-switches capable of simultaneous switching and filtering, which are relevant for advanced multiband RF systems. Typical microwave and millimeter-wave switches are designed only for switching purposes without considering frequency selectivity or filtering. A separate filter is normally needed to be used with a switch to provide a filtering function. This conventional design approach hence leads to higher insertion loss, larger size and higher cost for RF systems.   

RF systems operating over multiple bands provide numerous advantages and offer more capabilities for communications and sensing than their single-band counterparts. A concurrent multiband system enables one single system to be used over multiple bands simultaneously, leading to optimum size, cost, and power consumption, together with ease of system implementation. Truly concurrent multiband systems require many components to work on multiple bands simultaneously, including concurrent multiband switches.

Microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits using silicon-based CMOS (or related BiCMOS) RFICs are less expensive and better suited to direct integration with digital ICs than those using III-V compound semiconductor devices. CMOS RFICs are also small and offer low power consumption, making them suitable for portable battery-operated systems. Accordingly, CMOS RFICs are very attractive for RF systems and are the principal choice for commercial wireless markets.

The content is divided into six chapters, the first four of which describe and address band-pass, high-pass, and low-pass filters, as well as multiband band-pass filters, the fundamentals of switches, and various switch architectures including single-pole single-throw (SPST), single-pole double-throw (SPDT), transmit/receive (T/R), and ultra-high-isolation switches, the fundamentals and models of MOSFETs used in the design of switches, and the essentials of CMOS RFIC design needed for the filter-switches presented in this book. In turn, the fifth chapter presents the core of the book, namely the design, simulation, and measurement of various CMOS dual-band dual-function SPDT and T/R switches capable of concurrent switching and filtering, as examples to illustrate the design of multiband dual-function filter-switches. These components operate in two different frequency bands centered at approximately 40 and 60 GHz and 24 and 60 GHz. Lastly, a summary and conclusion are provided in Chapter 6.

Dr. Nguyen joined the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University in December 1990, after working for more than twelve years in industry, and is currently the Texas Instruments Endowed Professor. He was Program Director at the National Science Foundation during 2003–2004, where he was responsible for research programs in RF electronics and wireless technologies. From 1979 to 1990, he held various engineering positions in industry, serving as a Microwave Engineer with the ITT Gilfillan Company, a Member of Technical Staff with Hughes Aircraft (now Raytheon), a Technical Specialist with Aeroject ElectroSystems, a Member of Professional Staff with Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), and a Senior Staff Engineer and Program Manager with TRW (now Northrop Grumman).

While in industry, he led numerous microwave and millimeter-wave activities and developed many microwave and millimeter-wave hybrid and monolithic integrated circuits and systems up to 220 GHz for communications, radar, and remote sensing. His research group at Texas A&M University is currently focusing on CMOS/BiCMOS RFICs and systems, microwave and millimeter-wave ICs and systems, and ultra-wideband devices and systems for wireless communications, radar, and sensing―developing not only individual components, but also complete systems including design, signal processing, integration, and testing. He has published more than 315 papers, written six books and six book chapters, and given more than 200 conference presentations and numerous invited presentations. Professor Nguyen was the Founding Editor-in-Chief of Sensing and Imaging: An International Journal published by Springer and the Founding Chairman of the International Conference on Subsurface Sensing Technologies and Applications.