A compact high performance X-band core-chip with on board serial-to-parallel conversion

A core-chip for X-band applications with on board serial-to-parallel conversion implementing a separate architecture topology is presented. The main RF performances are 10dB gain at minimum attenuation, 0-360° phase coverage, 0-31.5dB gain setting in less than 15mm², resulting in one of the smallest core chips realised in GaAs technology. The slight parasitic cross-effect between phase and gain setting is also described showing that the component can be used in beam forming networks for phased array applications without necessarily having to pre-calibrate at system level.