1. Jinna Yan Nanyang Technological University Singapore
LOW POWER MILLIMETER WAVE ACTIVE SIGE SUB-HARMONIC UP-CONVERSION MIXER WITH ULTRA LOW DRIVING POWER
Jinna Yan
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore 1

2. Agenda Introduction System Architecture Literature Review
Design of Up-conversion Mixer
-- Schematic
-- Layout
-- Post-layout simulation results
Conclusion

3. Introduction Why 60GHz? Unprecedented amount of spectrum
-- Spectral efficiency not a dominant constraint
-- 2GHz bandwidth per channel
License free
-- Few regulatory specifications
Small wavelength
-- Multi-antenna ideal for small form factor devices

4. Introduction-cont.. Targeted Application: System requirements:
-- Wireless personal area
networks
-- Short range <10m
-- High data rate >2Gbps
System requirements:
-- Highly integrated, low cost
-- Small in size
-- Low power

5. System Architecture
Sub-harmonic up conversion using sliding IF topology
LO operating at a relatively lower frequency, alleviates the design for synthesizer
IF signals has a bandwidth greater than 10GHz centered at 12GHz
LO signal bandwidth of 3.5GHz at 24GHz

6. Literature Review I: Topology:
-- Fully differential sub- harmonic core mixer
-- Three transistor architecture
Ref: A Frequency Tripler Using a Subharmonic Mixer and Fundamental Cancellation

7. Literature Review II: Topology: -- Double balanced Gilbert mixer
-- mHEMT FET technology
-- Chip area 3mm X 3mm
Ref: 60 GHz MMIC double balanced Gilbert mixer in mHEMT technology with integrated RF, LO, and IF baluns

8. Schematic of Designed Up-conversion Mixer

9. Features of Designed Up-conversion Mixer
RF output signal has a bandwidth of 11GHz
Use of two transistor topology to reduce voltage supply requirement
Pesudo-differential LO core
Designed CPW transmission lines load

10. Schematic of Common Emitter Buffer

11. Layout of Up-conversion Mixer Core & Buffer
Process:
-- Jazz Semiconductor
µm SiGe BiCMOS
-- High ft of 200GHz
Chip size:
mm X 0.78mm (inc. pads)

12. Sparameters @ IF and LO Ports

13. Conversion Gain vs. LO Power

14. Gain Flatness vs. RF Output Frequency

15. Voltage Conversion Gain vs. IF Input Signal Power

16. Output Frequency Spectrum

17. Overall Specification
Power consumption (Mixer Core): 1.8V
Max. Gain: -0.1dB
RF output 3dB gain flatness: 59GHz ~ 70GHz
Input referred P1dB: -12.3dBm
LO power drive requirements: -14dBm
Spur suppression: >20dBc

18. Conclusion
A low power active sub-harmonic mixer has been designed for the 60GHz SOC
It provides a elegant solution to upconvert low frequency signals without a high frequency VCO
Features achieved include high bandwidth, high linearity and low LO drive power levels

19. Thank you Q & A