A new approach to designing active MMIC tuning elements using second-generation current conveyors

A new method for designing active monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMLC) tuning elements is proposed. It is shown that by using a cascade of GaAs FET's, one can closely model a second-generation current conveyor (CCII-) at microwave frequencies and thus synthesize many types of microwave circuit elements, including positive and negative active capacitors and inductors, and gyrators. As a result of this discovery, current conveyor synthesis techniques can now be directly applied to microwave circuit design.