GaAs MMICs for cellular broadband wireless infrastructure: a system perspective

Rather than describing a MMIC in detail, this paper focuses on some of the system level issues concerning the integration of MMICs. The system to be described is a MM-wave Broadband Wireless system and is a commercial system where cost plays a crucial role in its success. MMICs can provide a low cost solution but only if they are incorporated in the correct manner. Three aspects of integration are discussed: a suitable low cost transition from waveguide to the MMIC, a method of contacting the MMIC to the transition and low cost housing.