Toward Integrated μNetwork Analyzer

The article deals with recent development steps toward monolithically integrated micro-Network Analyzer (μNA). The device will deploy M-Sequence-based single-chip transceivers with a built-in ultra-wideband wave separation unit in the receiver chains. The introduced on-chip wideband wave separation is realized using an optimized resistive directional coupler combined with a customized differential LNA as detector. The wave separation works almost down to DC, and its upper frequency limit is determined by the performance of the implemented technology (i.e., bridge resistors, transistors, etc.), the selected circuit topology, and the wirings of particular coupler components but also by the IC packaging itself. Even though the upper limit is designed to be compatible with the analog input bandwidth of the receiver circuit [which is about 18 GHz for naked die (Kmec et al., M-Sequence based single chip UWB-radar sensor. ANTEM/AMEREM 2010 Conference, Ottawa, 2010)], the packaged IC is intended for use up to 8 GHz. Finally, the discussed transceiver is a further development of the mother SiGe System-on-Chip (SoC) presented in the work cited above.