Title :
Impact of Metallization Layer Structure on the Performance of G-Band Branch-Line Couplers
Author :
Amado-Rey, B. ; Campos-Roca, Y. ; Weber, R. ; Maroldt, S. ; Tessmann, A. ; Massler, H. ; Wagner, S. ; Leuther, A. ; Ambacher, O.
Author_Institution :
IAF, Fraunhofer Inst. for Appl. Solid State Phys., Freiburg, Germany
Abstract :
Five different versions of grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) branch-line couplers on GaAs were EM simulated, processed and investigated for operation in G-band (140-220 GHz), based on different layer structures (including 2 or 3 metallization layers) and layouts. The best results have been obtained with the structures based on a continuous galvanic metal in the central conductor line and ohmic connections between top ground planes, reducing the insertion losses by 0.8 dB. A measured amplitude imbalance less than 0.5 dB from 160 to 200 GHz (22%), with a coupler insertion loss lower than 1.3 dB was achieved for a 3 metallization layer branch-line coupler.
Keywords :
coplanar waveguides; electromagnetic waves; metallisation; waveguide couplers; EM simulated; G-band branch line couplers; GCPW; GaAs; bandwidth 140 GHz to 220 GHz; conductor line; galvanic metal; grounded coplanar waveguide; insertion losses; metallization layer structure; Coplanar waveguides; Couplers; Insertion loss; Loss measurement; Metallization; Millimeter wave circuits; Transmission line measurements; Branch-line; electromagnetic (EM) simulation; grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW); hybrid; millimeter-wave;
Journal_Title :
Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/LMWC.2015.2496778
