A 17 GHz bandwidth 1.2 mW CMOS switching matrix for UWB breast cancer imaging

A new single pole eight throw (SP8T) CMOS switching matrix has been developed to replace conventional large mechanical switches, for portable ultra wideband (UWB) breast cancer imaging system. The SP8T switch has an minimum input and output matching bandwidth of 0-17 GHz with an average insertion loss of 3 to 10 dB from 2 to 17 GHz and power consumption of 1.2 mW. By utilizing two of these switching matrices, implemented on printed circuit boards, it has been possible to detect an aluminum target of 10 mm × 10mm at a depth of 20 mm, in a 16 antenna array breast cancer detection system. An 8 GHz center frequency Gaussian monocycle pulse was transmitted through the whole system.