Monolithic nonlinear transmission lines and sampling circuits with reduced shock-wave-to-surface-wave coupling
US6894581B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01P3/003
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A monolithic non-linear transmission line and sampling circuit with reduced shock-wave-to-surface-wave coupling are presented herein. In coplanar-waveguide (CPW) technology, this reduced coupling is achieved by selecting properly the thickness of the semiconductor substrate, and by elevating the center conductor of the CPW above the substrate surface. The elevated center conductor is supported by means of conducting posts, and may be backed by a low-loss dielectric such as polyimide or silicon nitride. In coplanar-strip (CPS) technology, the reduction in coupling between shock waves and surface waves is achieved by controlling the substrate thickness as in the CPW case, and by elevating the coplanar strips above the substrate surface. The elevated strips are supported by a low-loss dielectric. The reduced coupling in both guiding media enhances the high-frequency performance of nonlinear-transmission-line-based circuits. The semiconductor devices loading the CPW or CPS transmission lines may be Schottky diodes or some other type of variable-reactance device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.