Integrated-Transformer-Based Impedance Matching Method: Impedance Matching With Transformers

Abstract

Impedance matching is a critical aspect of any RF or millimeter-wave (mm-wave) design. Although historically addressed with transmission lines or discrete elements, it can also be implemented with integrated transformers as their quality factors now reach decent values (approximately 10–20) at high frequencies (used at 77 GHz in this article) due to the thicker upper metal layers present in most integrated stacks