The design and test of an MCM-D RF front end for HIPERLAN

Under the “Hiperion” ESPRIT project, an integrated MCM-D RF front end module for use in the HIPERLAN band has been designed and tested. The module integrates all functions needed to interface between the 5.2 GHz RF band and a 700 MHz IF both in transmit and in receive into a ceramic ball grid array package just 17 mm square. The design uses custom GaAs MMICs, a bipolar silicon prescaler and discrete HEMT transistors, together with filters and matching components realised using embedded passive components within the MCM-D substrate. The design and test of the module is described, together with a revised implementation which uses flipchip ICs and a technique known as direct module attach whereby the module may be directly mounted onto a printed circuit board without the need for a further package