Power management for active loop, spatially-combined amplifiers

摘要

The present invention discloses a system for improving power management for a class of spatial power combiners, called active loop probes, or, active loops. One aspect of the invention includes the provision of a patterned conductor on the surface the semiconductor chip that opposes the surface upon which the active devices of the loop are disposed. This metal material can be used to both enhance heat removal from the chip and to provide a new and more efficient DC biasing path (with the use of vias) for the active components on the other (front) surface of the chip. Another aspect of the invention is the introduction of a dielectric superstrate that attaches to the front surface of the chip to provide an alternative or complementary heat removal and/or biasing structure to the conventional substrate that is typically attached to the back side of the chip. Various combinations of the above features are disclosed.