Broadband Smart mmWave Front-End-Modules in Advanced FD-SOI with Adaptive-Biasing and Tuning of Distributed Antenna-Arrays

In this paper, we propose new correlation-aware realtime adaptive tuning of distributed antenna-arrays using innovative broadband physics-based RLC circuit synthesis. The resulting correlation-tuning solution combines software-based circuit-synthesis with hardware-based Smart-Control. The software circuit synthesis runs on advanced signal-processing resources. The hardware implementation of the adaptive antenna tuning exploits the Body-Biasing control and regulation available in FD-SOI technologies. Broadband (DC-40 GHz) SPDT switches, fabricated in 22 nm FD-SOI process from GLOBALFOUNDRIES, are proposed for integration with agile-tuners for real-time noise and load matching of distributed antenna-arrays in a varying stochastic electromagnetic environment. The SPDT switches are characterized, using on-wafer measurements in small and large-signal conditions, as a function of transistor back-gate bias, demonstrating performance improvements of 0.2dB in insertion-loss, 2 dB in isolation, 1dB in P1dB and 4dB in IIP3. A Smart-Biasing-Module (SBM) is proposed demonstrating a wide range of bias control from 100pA to 300mA over ±8V with 24 bit resolution for adaptive-biasing control and regulation of RF and mmWave front-end-module building blocks.