An Integrated Dual Channel LTCC Front-End Module for mm-Wave Communication Systems

This paper presents a millimeter wave (mm-wave) dual channel MMIC front-end module (FEM), which is designed in 0.15-μm GaAs E/D p-HEMT process and integrated into a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) package. The dual channel MMIC FEM includes two fully symmetrical multi-function transmitter and receiver (T/R) chips. A single T/R module integrates a power amplifier (PA), a low-noise amplifier (LNA), two single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches, and two power control units. The FEM operates over 24-27.5 GHz and is applied in 5G phased array antennas and mm-wave communication systems. A single T/R chip has a known minimum area of mm-wave GaAs MMIC T/R, which is only 3.5 × 1.5 mm². A particular power control unit in this design simplifies complex control logic and power connections of the T/R module. This compact FEM device integrated dual channel design saves the area and cost introduced by using two devices, and has high applicability and practicality.