Towards Broadband D-Band Wireless Communication Systems using Beam Steering in SiGe BiCMOS Technology

This paper provides an overview of key challenges and solutions for integrated circuits and system-integration in order to realize practical mm-wave wireless communication systems in D-band targeting data rates in the order of 100 Gbps with beam steering functionality. As key element for beam-controlled systems, the design and measurement results of a broadband, low power and digitally adjustable D-band phase shifter are presented. Additionally, system performance limits in different beam-steering architectures are derived. The presented vector modulator core exploits passive phase generation with synthesized high performance couplers, achieving a 360° phase control at a maximum power consumption of 25mW from a 2.5V supply and a maximum 3 dB bandwidth of 20 GHz. Because of its flat gain response and high control-resolution, the phase shifter can be operated within multiple multi-GHz sub-bands within the D-band.