Millimeter-Wave and Terahertz Wireless RFIC and On-Chip Antenna Design: Tools and Layout Techniques

This invited contribution provides insights for implementation of millimeter-wave and terahertz wireless systems on a chip (MTWSOC). We present an overview of important software and simulation tools and key layout issues and design rules for millimeter-wave (mmWave) circuits. An example of a recently fabricated 0.18 ¿m CMOS integrated circuit by the Wireless Networking and Communications Group (WNCG) at The University of Texas at Austin is presented. The example chip includes 60 GHz on-chip antennas, an array of transmission lines, and IMPATT diodes.