Design and Measurement of a GaAs MMIC for use in a 73 GHz Time Modulated Array

A GaAs MMIC using 0.1 µm pHEMTS is designed to realize a gain & phase switching module for use in a Time-Modulated Array (TMA) for transmit or receive at 73 GHz. As part of the MMIC design, a novel technique to implement phase inversion switching is introduced- maintaining good input and output RF match regardless of phase switch state. Lab measured results for 16 dies are presented. At 73 GHz the tested MMICs have an average gain within 1.1 dB of simulation and phase inversion switching within 3 degrees of a 180 degree requirement.