A Compact Monostatic Transceiver Topology Using a Diode-Based Mixer

A novel monostatic transceiver topology that makes use of a diode-based mixer and operates from 143.8 to 158.1 GHz is proposed. The architecture avoids using couplers and the associated limitations. Hence, it allows to save space and minimizes losses. The signal travels directly from the VCO to the antenna through a diode-connected npn transistor, which performs the mixing. For the transmitted signal, solely a small insertion loss of less than 1.8 dB occurs. The complete mixer circuit only consumes an area of 65 × 260 μm
²
. Furthermore, the transceiver concept significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio.