Multi-Mode Modulator and Frequency Demodulator Circuits for Gb/s Data Rate 60 GHz Wireless Transceivers

Compact RF circuits that enable Gb/s wireless links on integrated 60 GHz radios are presented. A multi-mode modulator performs a variety of signaling schemes including MSK directly from a digital bit-stream and also performs the IF up-conversion. An FM discriminator operates at an IF frequency of 9 GHz with a sensitivity of -70 dBm referred to the RF input and yields an output digital bit stream. Implemented in a SiGe 0.13μm BiCMOS process as part of a transceiver chipset, the modulator and demodulator occupy an area of only 0.03mm
²
and 0.02mm
²
, respectively. The performance of the proposed circuits is verified individually and also in a HDTV 2 Gb/s MSK link.