A 4.5–18-GHz CMOS Vector-Modulated Phase Shifter With Single-Stage Tunable Polyphase Filter and Built-In Automatic IQ-Vector Calibration Loop

A 4.5–18-GHz CMOS Vector-Modulated Phase Shifter With Single-Stage Tunable Polyphase Filter and Built-In Automatic IQ-Vector Calibration Loop

clockVolume: 73, Issue: 11, November 2025

authorWeihan Gao

A 4.5–18-GHz CMOS Vector-Modulated Phase Shifter With Single-Stage Tunable Polyphase Filter and Built-In Automatic IQ-Vector Calibration Loop

Abstract
DOI: 10.1109/TMTT.2025.3593782   IEEEXplore: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11142834    
Device
A frequency-tunable CMOS vector-modulated phase shifter (VMPS) in 65-nm CMOS technology.
Spectrum
4.5 - 18 GHz
Novelty
The design features a single-stage tunable polyphase filter (PPF) with a built-in automatic calibration loop (BIACL), which adjusts the PPF resistance based on the detected amplitudes of the in-phase and quadrature (IQ) vectors to achieve center frequency calibration. Two independent cascode variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs) with tail-current switches are used for vector modulation. The amplitude detector, based on a Gilbert cell, achieves wide bandwidth and high sensitivity.
Application
Phased-arrays for beam forming and steering in modern long-haul wireless communication and radar systems.
Performance
23 dB detection range, −14 to 2 dBm calibration range; 6-bit 360° phase- shifting capability; <2.3◦ rms phase error, <1.3-dB maximum gain error; 0.29 dB RMS gain error.