Finite ground coplanar passive and active circuits.
F. Brauchler · Deep Blue (University of Michigan) · 1996
The Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) line structure was explored as an innovative substitute for microstrip and coplanar waveguide line structures at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. All structures and circuits were fabricated and tested between 2 and 115 GHz. The FGC line structure and its performance are presented. Passive elements such as open-end and shorted-end stubs and high- and low-impedance sections were explored using the FGC lines. Models were generated for these structures and design rules are discussed. Other passive circuits, such as low-pass filters with very low loss and high cutoff frequencies and series stubs for band-pass and band-stop filters, were explored to demonstrate the versatility of the FGC line structure. FGC inductors and thin-film resistor were also investigated. MMIC detectors and frequency multipliers were investigated as active circuits. The detectors, designed using the FGC passive element models and integrated Schottky diodes, demonstrated wide bandwidths and high sensitivities. Broadband frequency doubler multipliers, designed with a harmonic balance program and the FGC passive element models, demonstrated excellent performance. Schottky-diode varactors were integrated in the fabrication of the multipliers and measurements were made using on wafer probes. The designs, measurement system, and performance of the multipliers are presented.