The substrate integrated circuits - a new concept for high-frequency electronics and optoelectronics

A new generation of high-frequency integrated circuits is presented, which is called substrate integrated circuits (SICs). Current state-of-the-art of circuit design and implementation platforms based on this new concept are reviewed and discussed in detail. Different possibilities and numerous advantages of the SICs are shown for microwave, millimeter-wave and optoelectronics applications. Practical examples are illustrated with theoretical and experimental results for substrate integrated waveguide (SIW), substrate integrated slab waveguide (SISW) and substrate integrated nonradiating dielectric (SINRD) guide circuits. Future research and development trends are also discussed with reference to low-cost innovative design of millimeter-wave and optoelectronic integrated circuits.

I. Introduction

Low-cost, mass-producible, high-performance and high-yield microwave and millimeter-wave technologies are critical for developing successful commercial RF broadband systems. At millimeter-wave frequencies, in particular, circuit-building blocks including antenna elements are closely related to each other via electromagnetic couplings and interconnect. In this case) the circuit design should be made with a global consid-eration. The classical waveguide technology is stll the mainstream for designing high-performance millimeter-wave sys-tems. However, this matured scheme is not suitable for low-cost mass-production. Tedious and expensive post-fabrication tuning and assembling become a real problem for manufactur-ers. In addition, the waveguide technique cannot be used to reduce the weight and volume.