III-V Transistors for MM-Wave Applications

The ability to operate at frequencies at and above 60 GHz is desirable in many applications to increase bandwidth, achieve more favorable tradeoffs between antenna beamwidth and size, and to exploit frequency dependent transmission properties of the atmosphere. Table 1 provides a listing of important requirements for EHF radar, communications and electronic warfare systems. Corresponding device and circuit requirements are delineated. One especially demanding requirement is to develop phased arrays at 60 and 94 GHz. At 94 GHz this requires an array of transmit/receive (T/R) modules with center to center spacings of 1.5 mm between modules. Generating the required output power without exceeding thermal dissipation limits places stringent requirements on the solid state components of the T/R module.