Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a phase shifter that includes an I/Q phase shifter and at least one LC balun. Compared to conventional phase shifters, phase shifter has primarily only LC components, thereby limiting losses relative to conventional solutions. In one embodiment, for example, a phase shifter shows a large bandwidth at 77 GHz center frequency (e.g., 1 dB amplitude error bandwidth is approximately 40 GHz; 1° phase error bandwidth is about 16.5 GHz). The inductors included in phase shifter, in contrast to the quarter wave transmission lines used in conventional phase shifters, reduces chip area compared with conventional solutions. In some embodiments, an emitter follower helps to provide a relatively constant output that is largely independent of temperature, input power, VCC, manufacturing variation, and so on.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a phase shifter that includes an I/Q phase shifter and at least one LC balun. Compared to conventional phase shifters, phase shifter has primarily only LC components, thereby limiting losses relative to conventional solutions. In one embodiment, for example, a phase shifter shows a large bandwidth at 77 GHz center frequency (e.g., 1 dB amplitude error bandwidth is approximately 40 GHz; 1° phase error bandwidth is about 16.5 GHz). The inductors included in phase shifter, in contrast to the quarter wave transmission lines used in conventional phase shifters, reduces chip area compared with conventional solutions. In some embodiments, an emitter follower helps to provide a relatively constant output that is largely independent of temperature, input power, VCC, manufacturing variation, and so on.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a mixer for providing a mixed output signal. The mixer includes a radio-frequency (RF) stage, first and second power dividers, and first and second frequency-conversion stages. The RF stage includes a first differential pair. The first power divider is coupled to a first transistor of the first differential pair, and the second power divider is coupled to a second transistor of the first differential pair. The first frequency-conversion stage, which is adapted to provide a first converted-frequency signal, includes a second differential pair coupled to the second power divider and a third differential pair coupled to the first power divider. The second frequency-conversion stage, which is adapted to provide a second converted-frequency signal, includes a fourth differential pair coupled to the second power divider and a fifth differential pair coupled to the first power divider. Other techniques are also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a mixer for providing a mixed output signal. The mixer includes a radio-frequency (RF) stage, first and second power dividers, and first and second frequency-conversion stages. The RF stage includes a first differential pair. The first power divider is coupled to a first transistor of the first differential pair, and the second power divider is coupled to a second transistor of the first differential pair. The first frequency-conversion stage, which is adapted to provide a first converted-frequency signal, includes a second differential pair coupled to the second power divider and a third differential pair coupled to the first power divider. The second frequency-conversion stage, which is adapted to provide a second converted-frequency signal, includes a fourth differential pair coupled to the second power divider and a fifth differential pair coupled to the first power divider. Other techniques are also provided.