A H-Band vector modulator MMIC for phase-shifting applications

This paper presents a H-Band vector modulator which is optimized for phase shifting applications. The vector modulator is realized using a compact topology based on power dividers, baluns and variable gain amplifiers and shows state-of-the-art performance for frequencies between 235 and 270GHz with very low RMS gain and phase errors. In this frequency range the full 360° phase control range is achieved with less than 6.5 dB insertion loss. The MMIC was fabricated using a 50nm GaAs mHEMT technology and the resulting chip-size is only 1.25mm × 1.00 mm.