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Schematic of the proposed double circularly polarized ILA antenna including two stacked branchline couplers
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... array and multiple receivers [9]. The realization of an on- chip array with a half wavelength spacing radiating in upper broadside direction is unpractical due to the large consumption of chip area. The possibility of the DoA estimation in this work is given by two closely spaced circularly polarized primary radiators of an ILA as shown in Fig. 1. The mutual coupling of both antennas result in a common phase center in between both radiators and thus a single broadside directed beam by feeding both antennas with the same signal (Tx path) whereas in the receive case (Rx1 and Rx2) each antenna is considered separately receiving two tilted beams in opposite directions. The ...
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... overall antenna concept is shown in Fig. 1. Two ra- diating elements are connected by phase matched transmis- sion lines to two separate differential branchline couplers which are isolating the transmit and receive paths. Before the implementation in a SoC radar the radiating elements are characterized itself in this work. The transmit (Tx) and receive interfaces (Rx1, Rx2) are ...
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... radiate circularly polarized waves. Thus, the linearly polarized receive horn of our antenna measurement setup has to measure the same realized gain values in the main lobe of the ILA independently of the receiver horn orientation. Such a measurement over different receiver horn angels from 0 -202.5 • was performed in 22.5 • steps as depicted in Fig. 10 (left) for five different operating frequencies. The axial ratio over frequency is additionally calculated from these measurements as shown in Fig. 10 (right) and is better 3.3 dB in a frequency range of 120 -130 GHz. The simulated efficiency of the antenna by exciting pad 2 including the CPW pad, the DTs, the branchline couplers and the ...
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... in the main lobe of the ILA independently of the receiver horn orientation. Such a measurement over different receiver horn angels from 0 -202.5 • was performed in 22.5 • steps as depicted in Fig. 10 (left) for five different operating frequencies. The axial ratio over frequency is additionally calculated from these measurements as shown in Fig. 10 (right) and is better 3.3 dB in a frequency range of 120 -130 GHz. The simulated efficiency of the antenna by exciting pad 2 including the CPW pad, the DTs, the branchline couplers and the transmission lines is carried out by simulation to -6.1 dB. However, the power in the transmit path is split and power amplifiers (PA) are inserted in a ...
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... The phase-correct measurement of mm-waves is a difficult task, and consequently, different methods to characterize the purity of a CP have been presented and discussed in the literature. If a receiving linear polarized antenna is used, the gradual rotation of this antenna can be used to accurately measure the elliptical polarization either by many sampling points [28] or by estimating the ellipse based on few samples [25], reducing the necessity of phase-correct measurements. However, at least four gain-correct measurements need to be carried out compared to two gain-and phase-correct measurements, presumably doubling the necessary measurement time. ...
This paper presents a design methodology and a realization of a circularly polarized (CP) antenna for FMCW radar at mm-wave frequencies on-chip, which combines antennas of different resonance frequencies to increase the operation bandwidth and allow for high resolution radar. The antenna consists of four dipoles with an on-chip ground plane operating at two resonance frequencies combined with a matching and feeding network, which enables both a frequency selectivity in advantage for the resonant antenna and radiation of circular polarization. The dipole arms are based on shorted λ/4 resonators, which are enhanced with series capacitances for increased radiation efficiency. A method for the broadband characterization of CP antennas and the measurement results of the designed CP antenna are presented. It is shown that the antenna covers a bandwidth between 220 GHz and 260 GHz, indicating the feasibility of both the measurement method and the antenna concept.
... OCAs are promising in mm-wave frequency bands due to their small size, low loss and low power consumption at higher frequencies. OCAs have many applications like Intra/Inter chip communication [2], EM energy harvesting [3], biomedical implanted devices [4,5], THz imaging [6], RF Identification (RFID) [7], 3-D imaging [8], power combining [9], mono-pulsed radar [10], system bandwidth enhancement [11] and beam steering [12]. As far as the system-on-chip antennas are concerned, differential type is preferred as the ICs have differential inputs and outputs [13]. ...
Due to exponential growth in wireless communication in the last decade, which continues towards future applications, mm-wave has shown tremendous potential and has been established as the backbone of most modern-day high data rate communication systems. Despite many challenges associated with this technology, several inherent advantages have established it as an attractive and essential choice for high data rate communication systems. It is well known that antennas are crucial integral components of any communication system. Most modern-day mm-wave communication devices require a low profile, wideband, and highly efficient antenna system. Recent advancements in research and development in this field have been reported through many publications. This article reviews the mm-wave antennas with briefs about their characterization setup, fabrication technologies and some of the associated challenges.
... The thickness of electrically insulating adhesive material may affect overall electrical properties of the design. However, with the use of an adhesive thinner than Si chip and lens, this affect can be made insignificant [57]. This is validated by using a 5 µm thick adhesive in [57] and less than 10 µm in [19], which has minimized this affect. ...
... However, with the use of an adhesive thinner than Si chip and lens, this affect can be made insignificant [57]. This is validated by using a 5 µm thick adhesive in [57] and less than 10 µm in [19], which has minimized this affect. Also, the placement/configuration of lens needs special care depending on the application [57]. ...
... This is validated by using a 5 µm thick adhesive in [57] and less than 10 µm in [19], which has minimized this affect. Also, the placement/configuration of lens needs special care depending on the application [57]. Furthermore, LIA's gain is directly proportional to the lens size [19], [57]. ...
The need for a compact, economical, and low-power wireless system has given birth to the System-on-Chip (SoC) concept viable of a multitude of innovative applications. On-Chip-Antennas (AoCs) are an integral part of the SoC based wireless system and have got a remarkable attention since last one decade. In contrary to off-chip-antennas, AoCs are fabricated and integrated on the same substrate where the other components of the wireless system are fabricated. This integration results in several challenges besides highly desired benefits. The most serious challenge is the degradation in AoC’s key performance metrics, i.e. gain and radiation efficiency because of low-resistivity and high-permittivity of the Silicon substrate which is the optimized choice for the AoC design. This triggers a need for the use of novel methods for the mitigation of these performance issues. Consequently, a variety of such innovative methods have been proposed in the literature. However, a critical description on the recent developments in these methods at one place to facilitate a wide range of researchers is missing. Therefore, this article presents a well-organized and systematic survey on the recent advancements of the AoC’s performance-issues-mitigation-methods for wireless applications in Radio Frequency (RF), Millimeter-Wave (MM-Wave), and Terahertz (THz) bands for the first time. A concise description of future directions with respect to AoCs performance enhancement methods is also part of this article. It is anticipated that the critical presentation of these methods will make this article a valuable guide for a wide spectrum of researchers, who want to adventure with the tough task of high performance AoC design. In addition, it is envisioned that this article will pave a promising path for a further dominance of the AoCs in RF, MM-Wave, and THz regions.
... Identification (RFID) based SoC [19], 3-D imaging [20], next generation wireless mobile terminal [21], measurement of MM-Wave ICs and devices [22], power combining [23], amplitude mono-pulsed radar [24], wireless system bandwidth enhancement [25] and beam steering [26]. Despite having multiple advantages and applications in several novel research domains, OCAs offer certain challenges as well, which need to be addressed judiciously. ...
Exponential increase in the requirements of cost effective and highly compact wireless modules has put System-on-Chip (SoC) technology in high demand. On-Chip-Antenna (OCA) is an integral component of SoC based wireless communication systems and has emerged as a perfect candidate for plethora of promising applications, especially at Millimeter Wave (MM-Wave) and Terahertz (THz) frequencies. OCAs also support compact and low power applications of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and Internet-of-Things (IoT). Since OCAs are manufactured on a single substrate along with other components, therefore their successful realization is subject to several challenges; the most significant of which is their accurate measurement. OCA’s precise characterization is considered to be one of the toughest challenges to overcome since traditional off-chip antenna measurement setups are not suitable for this job. This calls for innovative measurement techniques, setups and solutions to enable their true characterization. Inspired by the significance of OCA characterization, this paper presents a comprehensive survey of the key recent developments in the field of OCA measurements. The techniques used to measure conventional off-chip antennas are briefly outlined followed by a succinct description of OCA’s characterization challenges. The most recent trends and techniques of OCA measurement are expansively compiled. Some avenues for future trends in this regards are also delineated. It is anticipated that the presentation of this review will inspire the research community to come up with the novel methods and proposals to facilitate the OCA characterization process.
Small satellites have revolutionized the space industry because of their variety of benefits over large satellites. Antennas are one of the key components of the small satellites, whose performance is very crucial for the overall performance of the satellite-based wireless systems. The stringent requirements of modern small satellites, such as the small size and mass, low-power, low-loss, and low-cost dictate the need for the alternative antenna technologies, as the traditionally employed off-chip antenna technology faces a number of severe constraints to meet this set of requirements. On-chip-antennas (OCAs) are one of such promising choices, which are more favorable than off-chip antennas in this respect. This article, therefore, presents a comprehensive survey of OCA capabilities for modern small satellite (micro-satellite, mini-satellite, nano-satellite, pico-satellite, femto-satellite, cubsat) applications for the first time. A number of key challenges posed by OCAs for small satellite applications are investigated and discussed analytically. The article also delineates a few future perspectives in this regard. This article will not only highlight a number of novel research opportunities for the relevant researchers but also urge them to propose innovative solutions for OCA design challenges for these applications.
For highly integrated imaging systems above 100 GHz, the complexity and chip area increase significantly with an increasing number of channels. In addition, bulky dielectric lenses prevent applications in spatially restricted surroundings. The presented concept of an imaging monopulse radar with a mechanically flexible front end reduces the required chip area and allows the antenna to be placed in any desired position apart from the sensitive electronics. The radar system is based on a two-channel 160-GHz microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) feeding a flexible dielectric waveguide. Depending on the angle of the incidence signal, a sum mode (HE
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mode) and a difference mode (HE
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mode) are excited in the dielectric waveguide. MMIC and waveguide are connected by a self-aligning transition reducing the requirements for packaging accuracy. The required chip area of the transition is only
$0.022\lambda ^{2}$
with a spacing between the on-chip antennas of
$\lambda /4$
. The measured ambiguity-free region between −18° and 15° is defined by the modified elliptical lens antenna focusing in the
$E$
-plane only. A mechanical bending of the flexible waveguide is possible down to a radius of at least 2 cm without affecting the angle estimation capability.
The ever-growing demand for low power, high performance, cost-effective, low-profile, and highly integrated wireless systems for emerging applications has triggered the need for the enormous innovations in wireless transceiver systems, components, architectures and technologies. This is especially valid for the antenna which is an integral component of the wireless transceiver systems and contributes significantly in determining their overall performance. Antenna-on-Chip (AoC) is an alternative antenna technology, which has drawn a substantial attention in recent days because of its various benefits over off-chip antenna technology. A few of these benefits include miniaturization, low power, low cost, and high integration of the wireless modules. Motivated by these valuable advantages and to unveil the true potential of the AoCs, this article presents, for the first time, a comprehensive survey of the suitability, advantages, and challenges of the AoCs for the emerging wireless applications such as 5th generation (5G) Wireless Systems, Internet-of-Things (IoT) Wireless Devices and Systems, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), Wireless Interconnects, Wireless Energy Transfer, Radio Frequency (RF) Energy Harvesting, Biomedical Implants, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Autonomous vehicles, Innovative characterization methods for Integrated Circuits (ICs) and Antennas, and Smart City. In addition, this article presents the current state-of-the-art of the AoC’s applications by classifying their applications in Millimeter-Wave (MM-Wave) band, Terahertz (THz) band, and low-frequency bands. The article also investigates and describes some useful methods for the mitigation of the challenges and issues posed by the emerging applications for the realization of the AoCs in a systematic manner. A concise description of the future directions of the AoCs with respect to each emerging application is also a part of this article. It is expected that this well-structured and organized survey will not only act as an excellent source of scholarship for the relevant research community, but also open up a world of novel research opportunities.
This paper suggests the usage of an optimized structure of the embedded wafer-level ball grid array technology for millimeter-wave antennas-in-package. Multiple antenna arrays in a second redistribution layer have been designed, evaluated, and integrated with different transceivers to form very compact sensor packages for 61- and 122-GHz radar applications. The resulting packages contain a complete radar front end while featuring dimensions of $8 mmx 8$ mm. The packages are easy to assemble and replaceable. Theoretical considerations, numerical results, and measurements have been carried out for the single components. For the verification of the sensor packages, a system demonstrator was developed, and measurements have been performed in continuous-wave mode. At both frequencies, promising system performance regarding range and distance errors could be confirmed without the usage of complex processing and calibration algorithms.
