An Efficient Transformer Modeling Approach for mm-Wave Circuit Design

Abstract In this paper, a Gaussian-process surrogate modeling methodology is used to accurately and efficiently model transformers, which are still a bottleneck in radio-frequency and millimeter-wave circuit design. The proposed model is useful for a wide range of frequencies from DC up to the millimeter-wave range (over 100 GHz). The technique is statistically validated against full-wave electromagnetic simulations. The efficient model evaluation enables its exploitation in iterative user-driven design approaches, as well as automated design exploration involving thousands of simulations. As experimental results, the model is used in several scenarios, such as the design of an inter-stage amplifier operating at 60 GHz, where the model assisted in the simulation of the transformers and baluns used, and the design of individual transformers and a matching network.