AbstractsEngineering

Large amounts of worldwide unlicensed spectrum at 60 GHz is currently being considered for high speed wireless solutions. However, a number of challenges remain for this spectrum to be a viable solution for high volume consumer applications. In this dissertation we look more closely at requirements for indoor antenna connectivity with particular focus on the signal to noise ratio needed to overcome fading in multipath channels. A new analytical channel model, including multipath scattering, is proposed and adapted to determine antenna requirements. These requirements are then used to develop realistic signal to noise ratios for Silicon-based Radio Frequency (RF) front ends. This dissertation considers three candidate antennas that show promise for compact on-chip implementation. Given their small size and possible losses at millimeter wave frequencies, we also focus on antenna efficiency for practical metalizations on Silicon. Therefore, relevant material properties are examined to determine the most accurate parameters to be used in the computational models. It is concluded that arrays of the candidate antennas with spatial power combining must be employed, but are still small enough for on-chip realization. The proposed antenna array that meets performance requirements is as little as 7x7mm², making it about 1/3 of the target maximum size of 25x25mm², required to enable integration as part of a portable consumer devices.