Abstract: A compact multilayer signal processing system. In the illustrative embodiment, the system is adapted for use with microwave signals. The system includes a first mechanism for receiving an input signal and selectively routing the input signal onto a first signal path. A second mechanism routes the input signal along the first signal path vertically through one or more layers to a first circuit component. The first circuit component outputs an adjusted signal in response to receipt of the input signal. A third mechanism directs the adjusted signal to the output of the system. In a specific embodiment, the one or more layers include one or more groundplane layers. In this embodiment, the first mechanism includes an input switching network in communication with a controller. The switching network is positioned on a switching layer and communicates with one or more controllers to facilitate selectively switching the input signal onto one of plural input signal paths.

Abstract: A technique for providing an elastic RF interconnection between first and second planar conductors, which provides stress relief against mechanical and environment stresses. A length of a compressible wire bundle having first and second end portions is used as the elastic conductor. The first end portion is attached to an end of the first conductor. The second end portion is attached to an end of the second conductor. In a typical application, the first and second conductors are disposed on separate substrates, in turn mounted to a package surface.

Abstract: Flip chip monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) devices formed on gallium arsenide substrates and use thermally bumped diodes and field effect transistor devices to achieve improved heat dissipation and power protection. Flip chip limiter MMIC devices and transmit/receive switch MMIC devices are specifically provided by the present invention. The flip chip gallium arsenide limiter and transmit/receive switch MMIC devices use plated metallized bumps for both I/O connections and for thermal connections to a host substrate (aluminum nitride). The present invention also incorporates coplanar waveguide transmission line, thereby eliminating backside processing of the gallium arsenide substrates. The transmit/receive switch device provides power protection in both transmit and receive modes.

Abstract: A space-saving, two-sided microwave transmission line for hybrid circuits is disclosed, wherein a microstrip or coplanar waveguide RF line is formed on the front side and a microstrip or coplanar waveguid RF transmission line is formed on the backside of a hybrid circuit board containing other components. The RF line is formed on the top side of the circuit board to facilitate connections to other circuit boards and/or RF components, but is routed underneath the board to traverse the areas of the board occupied by other components. When the RF line is on the top side of the substrate, the groundplane is established by the metal layer on the bottom of the substrate for a microstrip line and by a top metal layer for a coplanar waveguide line, and when the RF line is on the bottom of the substrate, the groundplane is established with the metal layer on top of the substrate for a microstrip line, and with the bottom metal layer for a coplanar waveguide line.