287-GHz CMOS Transceiver Pixel Array in a QFN Package for Active Imaging

Abstract

A 7-element array of 287-GHz CMOS transceiver pixels with a pixel area smaller than (0.5 x wavelength)(2) housed in a QFN package is demonstrated. Each pixel concurrently performs transmission and coherent detection using a push-push VCO, that functions as a 287-GHz transmitter, a 143-GHz LO, and a sub-harmonic mixer at the same time. An EIRP of -2.5-dBm and sensitivity of -88-dBm at a 1-kHz noise bandwidth are achieved. Link budget analyses suggest that it should be possible to perform reflection-mode active imaging at 10 m using the array, and a reflector with a diameter of 15 cm and a simulated near field gain of 44.6 dB. The packaged array exhibits a 2.5-dB higher EIRP and a 3-dB lower noise figure than the array without the QFN packaging.