PECASE: Integrated Antennas and Circuits for Mixed-Technology Single-Chip Systems

[876056] raman本研究计划的主要目的是研究在混合技术集成电路上直接集成PCS波段天线的方法。PI在毫米波频率集成天线的开发方面拥有丰富的经验，其中短波长的物理尺寸较小，允许相对直接的片上天线集成。然而，在较低的PCS频率下集成天线片上是另一回事，因为天线尺寸不能任意减小；控制天线性能的是物理定律，而不是技术限制。不过，如果可以接受天线性能的一些退化，则可以实现相对于感兴趣波长的非常小的天线（电小天线）。提出的研究工作将集中在三个基本问题领域：(1)在混合信号集成电路上集成电小型天线的技术/材料问题；(2)相互连接、过渡和平衡；(3)电磁辐射从天线耦合进入混合信号电路。全波电磁模拟将用于在制造之前分析各种天线几何形状。制造的天线将使用片上（输入阻抗）和消声室（模式、增益、极化纯度）测量的组合来表征。为实现片上集成而牺牲的天线性能将被评估。未来几年教育工作的重点将包括：(1)振兴现有的微波工程课程；(2)现代rfic设计的研究生水平课程序列的开发。随着这些课程的改进，弗吉尼亚理工大学的欧洲经委会将提供全国最全面的通信工程课程之一。这些课程也将有利于PI在混合信号和混合技术集成电路方面的研究工作，让学生了解半导体芯片上射频/微波功能的实现，并补充数字VLSI设计课程。从长远来看，PI有兴趣为高级ECE学生开发单芯片系统的集成设计经验，以取代传统的选修课和顶点设计课程。首席研究员还将努力积极地让本科生参与有意义的研究经验，并为保留女性和未被充分代表的少数族裔在科学和工程领域做出贡献。

9876056RamanThe primary objective of this research plan is to investigate methods for the direct integration of PCS band antennas on mixed-technology ICs. The PI has extensive experience with the development of integrated antennas at millimeter-wave frequencies, where the short wavelengths result in small physical dimensions allowing relatively straightforward on-chip antenna integration. However, it is a different matter to integrate an antenna on-chip at the lower PCS frequencies since antenna size cannot be arbitrarily reduced; physical laws rather than technological limits govern the performance of the antenna. Still, if some degradation of antenna performance can be accepted, very small antennas with respect to the wavelength of interest (electrically small antennas) can be realized. The proposed research effort will focus on three basic problem areas: (1) technology/material issues for integration of electrically small antennas on mixed-signal ICs; (2) interconnections, transitions and baluns; and (3) electromagnetic radiation coupling from the antenna into mixed-signal circuitry. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations will be used to analyze various antenna geometries prior to fabrication. Fabricated antennas will be characterized using a combination of on-wafer (input impedance) and anechoic chamber (patterns, gain, polarization purity) measurements. Sacrifices made in antenna performance to achieve on-chip integration will be evaluated.The major thrusts of the educational efforts over the next several years will include: (1) a revitalization of the existing microwave engineering curriculum; and (2) the development of a graduate level course sequence in modernRFIC design. With these curriculum improvements, the ECE department at Virginia Tech will offer one of the most comprehensive programs in communications engineering in the country. These courses will also benefit the PI's research efforts in mixed-signal and mixed-technology integrated circuits, exposing students to the implementation of RF/microwave functions on a semiconductor chip, and complementing the digital VLSI design curriculum. In the long term, the PI is interested in developing an integrated design experience in single-chip systems for senior ECE students, in lieu of the traditional elective and capstone design coursework. The principal investigator will also endeavor to actively involve undergraduates in meaningful research experiences, and to contribute to the retention of women and underrepresented minorities in science and engineering.