This work discusses a methodology developed for robust RF test structure design for SiGe HBTs operating at mm-wave frequencies.

This thesis explores the design of fast-settling pulse generators and pulsed low noise amplifiers (LNAs) for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) applications. These components are critical in pulsed UWB transceivers, and a high energy efficiency is sought without adversely affecting RF performance and functionality. To this end, new pulse generators with a subnanosecond settling time and a low energy consumption of only a few picojoules per pulse are targeted. Moreover, a novel pulsed LNA is investigated for a low power consumption that can be scaled with the duty cycle. First, an energy-efficient tunable pulse generator is proposed for high-data-rate 3.1-10.6 GHz UWB applications. A current-starved ring oscillator is quickly switched on and off, and the amplitude envelope is shaped using a passive attenuator. The energy consumption per pulse is below 4.2 pJ while the pulse amplitude is 150 mV, yielding a high energy efficiency. A quadrature pulse generator is then presented for 22-29 GHz UWB applications with a settling time below 0.5 ns. An inductor-capacitor (LC) oscillator is quickly switched on and off with a new technique, and the amplitude envelope is shaped using a variable passive attenuator. The energy consumption per pulse is only 6.2 pJ, and the pulse amplitude is more than 240 mV, yielding the highest energy efficiency reported to date in CMOS. Next, a 3-10 GHz pulsed ring oscillator that offers direct quadrature phase modulation is demonstrated. Current impulses are injected into the oscillator to enable fast startup and implement quadrature phase modulation. The energy consumption and voltage swing varies from 13 pJ and 300 mV at 3 GHz to 18 pJ and 200 mV at 10 GHz respectively, yielding a high energy efficiency. Lastly, a fast switching noise cancelling LNA is proposed for 3.1-10.6 GHz UWB applications that settles within 1.3 ns for switching speeds as high as 200 MHz. Inductive peaking is introduced in the noise cancelling topology to achieve a sub-4dB flat noise figure and a high gain of 16.6 dB for frequencies up to 10 GHz. The average power consumption is also below 10 mW with a 50% duty cycle clock. / Thesis (Ph.D, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2011-08-23 15:29:58.93

This dissertation reports a metal-transfer-molding (MTM) technique for simultaneous implementation of air-lifted RF passive components, as well as coplanar waveguide (CPW) structures, in a high performance and potentially cost-effective fashion. A metal transfer mechanism is introduced into the conventional micro-molding process to realize polymer-core RF passive components and integration. A system-on-package (SOP) integration scheme of front-end RF components can be realized by this process. Several air-lifted RF components based on MTM technology have been presented with excellent performance. As an integration application of the MTM technology, a novel wireless passive airflow sensor based on the RF evanescent-mode cavity resonators has been also presented. The sensor makes use of RF technology to measure wind velocity through changes in the resonant frequency with applied airflow. Compared with reported wireless sensors based on conventional RF cavity resonator, this design has advantages such as compact size and greatly improved sensitivity. Wireless interrogating has also been demonstrated for the passive sensor. Overall, the RF components developed in this thesis illustrate the great potential of MTM technology in both wireless communication and sensor areas.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2005. / Supervisor: M. Jamal Deen. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 154-164). Also available online.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2005. / Supervisor: M. Jamal Deen. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 154-164). Also available online.

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 86-101). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Carleton University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 137-150). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M. App. Sc.)--Carleton University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 95-104). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.App.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 130-137). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.