Trends in Microwave/Millimeter-Wave Front-End Technology

Unique, high-performance components are utilized between the air or fiber-optic media interface and baseband/digital signal processing functions. TriQuint and other suppliers have developed power amplifiers, filters, duplexers, switches, phase shifters, and frequency conversion components specifically for this niche in systems ranging from RF-frequency cellular handsets to millimeter-wave frequency point-to-point radio transceivers. Examples of the use of specialized front-end technologies are: combining surface acoustic wave devices with GaAs switches and power amplifies in a handset modules, linear millimeter-wave power amplifiers for point-to-point radio links, millimeter wave switches using GaAs PIN diodes, and combining GaAs HBT, PHEMT, and VPIN technology in a 77-GHz Tx/Rx front-end for automotive radar. Finally, future GaN HEMT technology is showcased by discrete transistors setting new levels of power density