Abstract: Tuning devices and methods are disclosed. One of the devices comprises a metal structure connected with artificial dielectric elements, and variable capacitance devices. Each variable capacitance device is connected with a respective artificial dielectric element and with a control signal. Control of the variation of the capacitance allows the desired tuning. Another device comprises metallic structures connected with artificial dielectric elements and switches connected between the artificial dielectric elements. Turning ON and OFF the switches allows the capacitance between artificial dielectric elements to be varied and a signal guided by the metallic structures to be tuned.

Abstract: Phase-coherent differential structures contain a phase-coherent transformer having two pairs of phase-coherent coupled differential inductors.

Abstract: Tuning devices and methods are disclosed. One of the devices comprises a metal structure connected with artificial dielectric elements, and variable capacitance devices. Each variable capacitance device is connected with a respective artificial dielectric element and with a control signal. Control of the variation of the capacitance allows the desired tuning. Another device comprises metallic structures connected with artificial dielectric elements and switches connected between the artificial dielectric elements. Turning ON and OFF the switches allows the capacitance between artificial dielectric elements to be varied and a signal guided by the metallic structures to be tuned.

Abstract: Generation of Terahertz range (300 GHz to 3 THz) frequencies is increasingly important for communication, imaging and spectroscopic systems, including concealed object detection. Apparatus and methods describe generating multiple phase signals which are phase-locked at a fundamental frequency, which are then interleaved into an output which is a multiple of the fundamental frequency. By way of example phase generators comprise cross-coupling transistors (e.g., NMOS) and twist coupling transistors (NMOS) for generating a desired number of phase-locked output phases. A rectifying interleaver comprising a transconductance stage and Class B amplifiers provides superimposition of the phases into an output signal. The invention allows frequency output to exceed the maximum frequency of oscillation of a given device technology, such as CMOS in which a 324 GHz VCO in 90 nm digital CMOS with 4 GHz tuning was realized.

Abstract: A system and method for digitally providing impedance mismatch compensation for a communications medium in a communications device. A method comprises producing a power amplifier (PA) output signal, providing the PA output signal to a digitally-controlled transmission line (DCTL), transforming a first load impedance to a second load impedance producing a DCTL output, and coupling the DCTL output to an antenna. The PA having the first load impedance and the transforming is controlled by a digital control word provided to the DCTL.

Abstract: Interleaved three-dimensional (3D) on-chip differential inductors 110, 120 and transformer 100 are disclosed. The interleaved 3D on-chip differential inductors 110, 120 and transformer 100 make the best use of multiple metal layers in mainstream standard processes, such as CMOS, BiCMOS and SiGe technologies.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coupled circuits and methods of coupling circuits having a power supply wherein a plurality of transistors are inductively coupled directly to the power supply for providing a single DC supply voltage directly to each of the plurality of transistors, and wherein a plurality of transformers have primary and secondary windings, the primary and secondary windings providing, at least in part, inductive loads for inductively coupling the plurality of transistors to the power supply, the plurality of transformers also providing an AC signal path for coupling neighboring ones of the plurality of transistors together.

Abstract: Tuning devices and methods are disclosed. One of the devices comprises a metal structure connected with artificial dielectric elements, and variable capacitance devices. Each variable capacitance device is connected with a respective artificial dielectric element and with a control signal. Control of the variation of the capacitance allows the desired tuning. Another device comprises metallic structures connected with artificial dielectric elements and switches connected between the artificial dielectric elements. Turning ON and OFF the switches allows the capacitance between artificial dielectric elements to be varied and a signal guided by the metallic structures to be tuned.

Abstract: Radio frequency/millimeter wave integrated circuits (RF/MMICs) that employ a resonance mechanism between an input stage and a transistor are disclosed. The circuits contain an input stage, a transistor; and a transformer connected between either a gate or a base of the transistor and a voltage supply of the input stage. The methods disclosed maximize either a collector current or a drain current of a transistor by placing a transformer between the transistor and a voltage source.

Abstract: Phase-coherent differential structures contain a phase-coherent transformer having two pairs of phase-coherent coupled differential inductors.