Beamformer IC in 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS for Sub-6 GHz Phased-Array Applications

This paper presents the design of the single-channel beamformer integrated circuit for sub-6 GHz phased-arrays applications. Integrated phase shifter with digital control adjusts the relative phase of signals in the span from 0 to 360 degrees with 6-bit resolution. Digitally controlled attenuator provides the transfer ratio adjustment from 0 to -31 dB with 5-bit resolution. Correction in the -60-85°C temperature span with the 5-bit resolution is implemented. The RMS phase error is less than 1.6 degrees. The RMS attenuation error does not exceed 0.37 dB. The noise figure in Rx mode is less than 6.5 dB. The output signal power in Tx mode is higher than 6 dBm at 1dB compression point. The circuit's power consumption is 525 mW and 375 mW in Tx and Rx modes, respectively.