Development of modules with hybrid technology based on InP and SiGe for applications in the W band (75 - 110 GHz).
Loading...
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
This thesis presents the development and characterization of microwave structures based on Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) technology, specifically using the Ferro A6M-E substrate, for applications in millimeter-wave radio astronomy instrumentation. A complete methodology is proposed, encompassing the design, electromagnetic simulation, fabrication, and measurement of microstrip structures, with the aim of extracting key dielectric parameters such as relative permittivity (ϵr) and loss tangent (tanδ). Two sets of ring resonator and transmission line structures were designed and fabricated, and their electromagnetic responses were evaluated under both room temperature (300 K) and cryogenic (20 K) conditions. In a novel extension, the frequency range of measurement spans from 1 to 180 GHz, covering both the W band (75–110 GHz) and the D band (110–170 GHz), in order to assess the dielectric behavior of the LTCC substrate with thin-film copper metallization. The experimental results demonstrate the dielectric stability of the LTCC A6ME substrate, even under cryogenic conditions, with minimal variation in relative permittivity values and a moderate increase in loss tangent at low temperatures. These findings align well with simulation data and analytical models, confirming the material’s suitability for high-frequency applications in demanding environments. Ultimately, the results validate the hypothesis that LTCC substrates enable the implementation of hybrid heterodyne modules in the millimeter-wave domain by integrating Indium Phosphide (InP) and Silicon-Germanium (SiGe) technologies. This hybrid approach supports the development of compact and scalable front-end receivers suitable for multi-pixel detection systems operating in mm-wave bands, with direct impact on next-generation instrumentation for radio astronomy.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al grado de Doctor/a en Ciencias de la Ingeniería con mención en Ingeniería Eléctrica.
Keywords
Radio astronomy, Cosmic microwave background, Microwave receivers