A 37-39GHz Phase and Amplitude Detection Circuit with 0.060 degree and 0.043dB RMS Errors for the Calibration of 5GNR Phased-Array Beamforming

Beamforming systems using millimeter-wave phased-array transceivers realize high-data-rate communications in 5G NR over long distance [1–2]. Usually, beamforming is achieved by the high-resolution phase and amplitude controls in each TRX element. However, the on-chip mismatches caused by PVT variations between each element degrades the phased-array performance. In this work, a phase and amplitude high-accuracy detection circuit for phased-array mismatch calibration in 39GHz bands is introduced. Phase-to-digital converter (PDC) and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) detection technique is applied for much lower detection errors than conventional. The proposed detection circuit achieves phase and amplitude detection in 37-39GHz with 0.060 degree RMS phase error and 0.043dB RMS amplitude error, respectively. The power consumption is 48mW. The core area is 1.34 mm², which is fabricated in a 65nm CMOS process.