A wide range, high yield and good performance pHEMT switch for MMIC phase shifter

Abstract

A low-cost method with high yield and good performance is presented by pHEMTs (pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistors) to be used in phase shifter switches. In this method, the capacitor in “off” mode (Coff) of transistor is reduced, without variation of the transistor structure. The transistor structure in switch mode can be optimised. This method increases the transistor isolation in turn “off” mode, while there is no change in resistance of the transistor in “on” mode (Ron). Transistor dimension is determined in turn “off” mode (Vg = −4.5 V) and standard form of 4 × 75 μm. So, in this method, insertion loss will be reduced without a perceptible change in transistor dimension. Thus, design and fabrication capability of some circuits such as phase shifters, antenna switches, SPDT (single port double throw) – without any change in technology – are increasing. In this paper, post layout and measurement result for a sample block of phase shifter are shown.