A K-band 6-bit Passive Vector-Modulated Phase Shifter with X-Type Attenuator Controlled by Nonlinear Complementary Voltage

This letter presents a 6-bit passive vector-modulated phase shifter (VMPS) using nonlinear complementary voltage control, which is implemented in a 45-nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The proposed passive VMPS uses a simplified, compact, low-loss transformer-based coupler to generate highly balanced orthogonal signals. The amplitude controller is implemented with only four transistors and is controlled by nonlinear complementary voltage, which greatly improves the available state rate and the accuracy of the phase shifter. The measured VMPS achieves a rms phase/gain error 1.6 degrees/0.35 dB with only 0.55 mm2 chip area in 20-24 GHz and no power consumption.