Programmable microwave integrated circuit

摘要

In an integrated circuit a microwave signal is routed through a selected signal path. Routing is accomplished by switching to determine the signal path. Control signals are applied remotely. The microwave integrated circuit is programmable by virtue of the ability to command selection of a signal path. The signal path is chosen to include or avoid selected “RF functional elements,” i.e., components through which radio frequency signals may be routed. RF functional elements may include, for example, amplifiers, mixers, attenuators, and phase shifters. Aspects of programmability in the integrated circuit include the provision of the functional circuit elements for selectable connection in signal paths, the switching and interconnect technologies used to switch and connect between them, and the arrangement of the functional circuit elements in relationship to each other.

主权项

1. A field programmable microwave array in an integrated circuit, said field programmable microwave array comprising:
a monolithically integrated circuit; at least a first signal path and a second signal path in said monolithically integrated circuit, each signal path selectively connectable between a first RF port and a second RF port; each said signal path containing a plurality of RF operating elements, at least one said RF operating element in each signal path comprising an active element; a plurality of RF switches in one said signal path, each said RF switch being associated with only one said RF operating element, each RF switch selectively coupling or not coupling one said RF operating element in a respective signal path, each set of RF operating elements comprising a different set of components; the RF switches being selectively connectable in a collective state to connect one set of RF operating elements to define one respective signal path between said first RF port and said second RF port in a first state and to define a second signal path between said first RF port and said second RF port in a second state; each signal path defining a corresponding respective functionality.