Silicon MMICs for millimeter wave communication links

The penetration of millimeterwave systems into civil markets will be greatly dependent on the availability of millimeter wave monolithic integrated circuits (MM-wave MMICs or MIMICs). The advantages of high frequencies, i.e. millimeter wave devices, are obvious: high bandwidths enable high data rates in communication applications and a high resolution in sensor systems with the benefit of small size antennas. It is expected that by the use of monolithic solutions for the front-end components, the cost targets of mass markets can be met. Most promising seems a silicon based solution as the wafer sizes (up to 12 inch) and the high availability of silicon substrates favours a cost effective mass production. In this paper we give an overview on our approach to provide the front-end components with emphasis on the generation of millimeter wave frequencies.