A lumped component programmable delay element for Ultra-Wideband beamforming

TLDR: A ladder filter based programmable time delay element for beamforming in Ultra-Wideband (UWB) systems is introduced and achieves lower power dissipation, better area efficiency, and finer delay and gain resolution more efficiently.

Abstract: We introduce a ladder filter based programmable time delay element for beamforming in Ultra-Wideband (UWB) systems When compared to conventional methods based on the tapped delay line architecture, our technique achieves lower power dissipation, better area efficiency, and finer delay and gain resolution more efficiently The proposed architecture is more scalable, has better parasitic absorption capability and highly programmable with delay and gain resolution dependent only on transconductor resolution A prototype delay line designed for the 31-106 GHz UWB range achieves a delay range of 80 ps with 05 ps resolution and a gain range of -30 dB to +10 dB with 015 dB step Fabricated in a 025 μm SiGe BiCMOS process, the delay element occupies an active area of 1 mm2 and consumes 47 mW from a 25 V supply A four antenna beamforming system using the delay element can achieve scanning range of ± 51° with resolution of 086 ° for antenna spacing of 10 mm