A 1.9-GHz Si-bipolar variable attenuator for PHS transmitter

A 4-dB step 28-dB variable attenuator for 1.9 GHz personal handy-phone system (PHS) transmitter was fabricated using silicon bipolar technology with f/sub T/ of 15 GHz. Step accuracy within 1.2 dB and total vector modulation error of less than 4% are realized for -15 dBm output. The attenuator consumes 21 mA with 2.7-V power supply and occupies 1.1 mm/spl times/0.5 mm.