Use of Vectorial Large-Signal Measurements to Experimentally Evaluate Digital Circuits at Microwave Frequencies: Application to Inverters

In this work, we characterise for the first time a digital circuit, and more specifically an inverter, by means of vectorial large-signal measurements. The results give us a more complete picture of its behaviour at microwave frequencies, since parameters such as charging and discharging currents, peak currents, influence of the applied load, . . ., can now be visualised and evaluated directly. Moreover, device models aimed for digital circuit design can now be verified in detail under realistic digital operating conditions, whereas the classical validation by means of standard ring oscillator measurements only provides global information, such as delay and power dissipation. Finally, we also outline the importance of well incorporating the measurement environment (probe pads, biasing networks, . . .) when analysing measurement data of inverters at microwave frequencies.