Multiple-Throw Millimeter-Wave FET Switches for Frequencies from 60 up to 120 GHz

This paper presents the design and performance of various millimeter-wave FET switches realized in a metamorphic HEMT technology. The single-pole multi-throw switch configurations are targeting wireless communication frontends and imaging radiometers at 60, 94 and 120 GHz. In SPDT switches, state-of-the-art insertion loss of 1.4 and 1.8 dB is achieved at 60 and 94 GHz, respectively. Rivalled only by PIN diode swithces, an insertion loss of Lt2 dB is demonstrated up to 120 GHz. Shorted stubs are used to compensate for parasitic FET capacitance and allow for matching. Linearity data is presented for 60 and 94 GHz SPDT switches. A comprehensive comparison with state-of-the-art planar SPDT switches is included. A 2:6 switch network for multi-antenna transceivers achieves Lt4 dB insertion loss at 60 GHz.