A monolithic six-port module

The design and test of the first fully monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) implementation of a complete six-port module is described. The monolithic six-port module (MSPM) includes a six-port junction, matched FET diode detectors, high-dynamic range logarithmic amplifiers, and tunable Gunn-effect oscillators. The GaAs chip is 3*3 mm and the circuits operate from 7 to 9 GHz. In a reflectometer configuration, the MSPM demonstrates good agreement with US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) measurements on the same components. This MSPM can be used as a primary building block for a new generation of low-cost, very small, and highly reliable ICs for built-in-test applications.<>