141 research outputs found

    On the Trade-Off Between Quality Factor and Tuning Ratio in Tunable High-Frequency Capacitors

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    A benchmark of tunable and switchable devices at microwave frequencies is presented on the basis of physical limitations to show their potential for reconfigurable cellular applications. Performance limitations are outlined for each given technology focusing on the quality factor (Q) and tuning ratio (eta) as figures of merit. The state of the art in terms of these figures of merit of several tunable and switchable technologies is visualized and discussed. If the performance of these criteria is not met, the application will not be feasible. The quality factor can typically be traded off for tuning ratio. The benchmark of tunable capacitor technologies shows that transistor-switched capacitors, varactor diodes, and ferroelectric varactors perform well at 2 GHz for tuning ratios below 3, with an advantage for GaAs varactor diodes. Planar microelectromechanical capacitive switches have the potential to outperform all other technologies at tuning ratios higher than 8. Capacitors based on tunable dielectrics have the highest miniaturization potential, whereas semiconductor devices benefit from the existing manufacturing infrastructure

    Smart Power Devices and ICs Using GaAs and Wide and Extreme Bandgap Semiconductors

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    We evaluate and compare the performance and potential of GaAs and of wide and extreme bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN, Ga2O3, diamond), relative to silicon, for power electronics applications. We examine their device structures and associated materials/process technologies and selectively review the recent experimental demonstrations of high voltage power devices and IC structures of these semiconductors. We discuss the technical obstacles that still need to be addressed and overcome before large-scale commercialization commences

    Advances in Solid State Circuit Technologies

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    This book brings together contributions from experts in the fields to describe the current status of important topics in solid-state circuit technologies. It consists of 20 chapters which are grouped under the following categories: general information, circuits and devices, materials, and characterization techniques. These chapters have been written by renowned experts in the respective fields making this book valuable to the integrated circuits and materials science communities. It is intended for a diverse readership including electrical engineers and material scientists in the industry and academic institutions. Readers will be able to familiarize themselves with the latest technologies in the various fields

    AlGaN/GaN-HEMT power amplifiers with optimized power-added efficiency for X-band applications

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    This work has arisen out of the strong demand for a superior power-added efficiency (PAE) of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) high-power amplifiers (HPAs) that are part of any advanced wireless multifunctional RF-system with limited prime energy. Different concepts and approaches on device and design level for PAE improvements are analyzed, e.g. structural and layout changes of the GaN transistor and advanced circuit design techniques for PAE improvements of GaN HEMT HPAs

    Effect of varying gate-drain distance on the RF power performance of pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistors

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    Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2005.Includes bibliographical references (p. 134-137).AIGaAs/lnGaAs Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistors (PHEMTs) are widely used in satellite communications, military and commercial radar, cellular telephones, and other RF power applications. One key figure of merit in these applications is RF power output. Increasing the gate-to-drain length (LRD) of the PHEMT leads to an increase in its breakdown voltage. This should theoretically allow the selection of a higher drain operating voltage and consequently result in higher output power at microwave frequencies. However, experimentally, a decrease in output power and peak power-added efficiency is generally observed with increasing LRD In order to understand this, we have studied in detail the RF power performance of industrial PHEMTs with different values of LRD. We have found that there is an optimum value of LRD beyond which the maximum RF power output that the device can deliver drops. In addition, we have found that the output power of long LRD devices declines significantly with increasing frequency. We explain the difference in RF power behavior of the different devices through the evolution of load lines with frequency, LRD, and operating voltage. We have found that the presence of oscillations in the NDR region limit the maximum allowable operating voltage of long LRD devices through catastrophic burnout. The maximum voltage of short LRD devices is limited by electrical degradation. Pulsed I-V measurements have revealed that long LRD devices increasingly suffer from surface state activity that limit the maximum drain current under RF operation. A delay time analysis has shown an increasing extension of the depletion region toward the drain with increasing LRD that limits the frequency response of long LRD devices.by Melinda F. Wong.S.M
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