N-way MMIC switch
US5856713A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01P1/15
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multiple terminal selector switch for use with millimeter-wave signals has a layout of components enabling the switch to be constructed on a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) chip while maintaining adequately low cross talk among ports of the switch to retain isolation among its ports. The circuitry includes a transmission line having multiple taps spaced apart by an integral number of half wavelengths of the signal, wherein the taps connect to separate ports via arms of the circuit. Each arm has an electronically switchable element for producing open or short circuits for connection and disconnection of a switch port from the transmission line. One primary tap of the transmission line is unswitched and connects with a further port from which, or to which, signals of the other ports are selectively switched. A driver circuit for control of the switching elements in the respective arms is disposed within a central region of the switching circuit, while the transmission line encircles at least a portion of the driver circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.