Compact, Low Loss 4-Bit Ku-Band Hybrid Passive Phase Shifter Realized in 0.13-μm SiGe HBT BiCMOS for LEO SATCOM

This paper presents a compact, low loss 4-bit Ku-band hybrid passive phase shifter (PS) implemented in 0.13-µm SiGe HBT BiCMOS for LEO SATCOM. By adopting a different type of phase shifter unit for each phase state, the proposed quasi-switched-L type PS attains low loss and energy-efficient operation in a compact chip size. The design covers 360° with a 22.5° resolution over 14–15 GHz. The insertion loss (IL) is 6.2 dB within variation of ± 1.9 dB. The measured rms phase and amplitude errors are less than 12.0° and 1.1 dB, respectively, at 14–15 GHz. The core area, excluding all RF input/output and DC testing pad, is 0.46 mm x 0.36 mm.