The emergence of millimeter-wave silicon

Abstract

The incredible improvements in silicon transistor speed and circuit density have had a profound impact on the capabilities and performance of communications circuits. In particular, this is true for silicon germanium which is for the first time allowing designers to explore the entirely new world of millimeter wave frequency bands - frequencies from 30 to 300 GHz. As an example, engineers at IBM have demonstrated the first highly integrated 60 GHz transceivers capable of supporting wireless data links operating at 1 Gbps. These results will pave the road to future innovation in millimeter-wave silicon circuits for applications ranging from automotive radar, to broadband wireless links for consumers, to imaging sensors and devices.