Monolithic Analogue Phase Shifter and Cascode FET Amplifier using Uniplanar Techniques

A precision millimetre-wave analogue phase shifter and a miniature Ku-band cascode FET amplifier are presented. Both MMICs are realised using uniplanar technology. The phase shifter employs a blend of coplanar waveguide and multilayer techniques. It has a worst-case rms phase error of only ± 1.0°, for all levels of relative phase shift up to 120°, across the 31 to 32 GHz frequency range. The amplifier is realised using a combination of coplanar waveguide, meandered 'thin-film' microstrip, and lumped elements. The amplifier has an active area of only 0.9 mm2 and a measured gain of over 12 dB at 15 GHz.