Tutorial: The Art of mm-Wave Design and Layout

We live in the golden age of mm-wave ASIC design! With the rise of 5G networks & 6G research, a massive push for commercialization of mm-wave integrated circuits is underway. This tutorial explores the hidden impairments that are often overlooked or difficult to locate in mm-wave layouts and interconnects. Using real-life fabricated circuit blocks operating up to and beyond D-band (170GHz), as well as optical circuits operating beyond 100Gb/s, the tutorial will explore layout challenges and impairments that can adversely affect the circuit performance. After modeling these elements, simulations demonstrate the impact of the parasitics on bandwidth, center frequency, stability, and noise figure. Using simple and quick modeling techniques, the designers can incorporate effects of various layout parasitics. Furthermore, mm-wave techniques at the chip level are explored from ground planes to flip-chip bumps. Finally, going beyond the boundaries of integrated circuits, co-design techniques will be explored to carry mm-wave signals into packages, printed circuit boards, and antennas.