A highly integrated multifunction macro synthesizer chip (MMSC) for applications in 2-18 GHz synthesized sources

A highly integrated monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) that acts as the core of the RF section of a synthesized source is developed using commercially available 0.2-/spl mu/m pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (PHEMT) technology. Measured performance is shown up to 18 GHz. The same system architecture is able to produce synthesized output through 40 GHz with modifications of some critical building blocks of the chip. The chip performs all the frequency selection and tuning functions. It has more than 30 RF blocks integrated on an area of 4.27/spl times/4.68 mml. Some individual blocks operate through 40 GHz.