A 45 nm CMOS miniature phase shifter with constant amplitude response

We present analysis, optimization, design and characterization of an integrated passive analog phase shifter at 24 GHz in a commercially available 45 nm RF-CMOS process. The design is based on a well-known RC bridge topology, which was optimized for maximum phase shift and minimal amplitude response variation versus phase and frequency. Phase is controlled by varying DC voltage on a varactor, resulting in 60° maximum phase shift with 0.1 dB amplitude variation at 24 GHz. The size of the phase shifter circuit excluding pads and input/output buffers is 40×50 μm2.

► This work presents a comprehensive study of a RC bridge phase shifter.
► Analog phase shifter works at 24 GHz and was fabricated in 45 nm RF-CMOS process.
► Phase is controlled by varying DC voltage on a varactor.