Application specific MMIC: a unique and affordable approach to MMIC development

The authors argue that application-specific monolithic microwave integrated circuits (ASMMICs) promise to simplify the development process and hence reduce the development cost and risk for the high levels of integration possible with GaAs microwave integrated circuits. ASMMICs can realize volume production savings through a shared production process and through increased production demand. The foundation of the ASMMIC concept is a so called (predesigned) footprint building block. This footprint comprises the layers containing FETs, resistors, and diodes in an array compatible with a wide range of circuit functions. The chip is completed by applying personalized (i.e. application-specific) metalization to the footprint. The research described here presents the results of seven footprints and 22 personalizations. These components were designed as demonstration projects to provide initial proof-of-concept validation of ASMMICs. It is seen that ASMMICs are applicable to a wide range of functions and to a wide range of frequencies. The ASMMIC concepts has also been extended to millimeter-wave frequencies: 27-GHz and 30-GHz amplifiers that were designed using the same footprint are included in the discussion. The analysis indicates that ASMMICs can be extended up to 60 GHz with little or no performance degradation.<>