Microwave De-embedding

From Theory to Applications

Giovanni Crupi, Dominique Schreurs

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN: 9780124017009
• eBook ISBN: 9780124045927
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications
• Index: Technology & Engineering

This groundbreaking book is the first to give an introduction to microwave de-embedding, showing how it is the cornerstone for waveform engineering. The authors of each chapter clearly explain the theoretical concepts, providing a foundation that supports linear and non-linear measurements, modelling and circuit design. Recent developments and future trends in the field are covered throughout, including successful strategies for low-noise and power amplifier design. This book is a must-have for those wishing to understand the full potential of the microwave de-embedding concept to achieve successful results in the areas of measurements, modelling, and design at high frequencies. With this book you will learn: - The theoretical background of high-frequency de-embedding for measurements, modelling, and design - Details on applying the de-embedding concept to the transistor's linear, non-linear, and noise behaviour - The impact of de-embedding on low-noise and power amplifier design - The recent advances and future trends in the field of high-frequency de-embedding - Presents the theory and practice of microwave de-embedding, from the basic principles to recent advances and future trends - Written by experts in the field, all of whom are leading researchers in the area - Each chapter describes theoretical background and gives experimental results and practical applications - Includes forewords by Giovanni Ghione and Stephen Maas

Chapter 1

A Clear-Cut Introduction to the De-embedding Concept

Less is More

Giovanni Crupi¹, Dominique M.M.-P. Schreurs², and Alina Caddemi^{1 1}University of Messina, Messina, Italy ²ESAT-TELEMIC, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Abstract

The first chapter is intended primarily for those readers who are new to the de-embedding concept. To serve as a gateway into this fascinating but also challenging field of knowledge, the present chapter will show how to extract the full potential of the microwave de-embedding concept, from the theoretical background to practical applications. As a broad definition, de-embedding can be regarded as the mathematical process by which electrical reference planes can be set to desired locations. Its importance originates from the fact that electrical characteristics are not always directly measurable at the reference planes of interest. Hence, moving the electrical reference planes mathematically enables one to discover precious information. With the aim to provide an introductory and comprehensive overview of the de-embedding concept, this chapter discusses its effectiveness for different purposes: measurements, modeling, and design. Experimental results will be analyzed to act as a valuable support for gaining a clear-cut understanding.

Keywords

De-embedding; Equivalent circuit; Microwave frequency; Noise parameters; Scattering parameters; Time-domain waveforms; Transistor

1.1. Introduction

To provide an adequate background for those readers who are making their first steps in this fascinating but also challenging field of knowledge, the present chapter is meant to be a general introduction to the concept of de-embedding, which will be extensively expanded and deepened in the subsequent chapters. Before starting to read this book, the first question that you should ask is: What is de-embedding? As a broad definition, the term de-embedding can be conceptually used to refer to any mathematical shift of the electrical reference planes. The possibility of moving reference planes is of great utility in the areas of the microwave measurements, modeling, and design. This is because the electrical characteristics are not always directly measurable at the reference planes of interest. Depending on whether the reference planes are shifted closer to or further away from the actual device under test (DUT), a distinction can be made between de-embedding and embedding: The former allows cutting down on unwanted contributions, whereas the latter allows the inclusion of additional contributions to investigate the tested device as if it is placed in a hypothetical network. Hence, de-embedding and embedding allow access to precious information by subtracting or adding contributions. De-embedding and embedding can be seen as cases where “less is more”—more information can be made readily available by subtracting the contributions or blending together two or more networks.

To target an introductory and comprehensive overview, all aspects concerning de-embedding will be covered, going from the theoretical background to experimental results illustrating its practical application. This goal is accomplished by structuring the present chapter into five main sections. The outline of the chapter is as follows.

Section 1.2 is dedicated to introducing the fundamentals in the field of microwave measurements, which can be broken down into two main types: linear (also noise) and nonlinear measurements. The latter play a fundamental role because these measurements allow one to obtain a comp...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• La Clairvoyance
• Copyright
• Foreword
• Foreword
• About the Editors
• Authors’ Biographies
• Authors
• Chapter 1. A Clear-Cut Introduction to the De-embedding Concept: Less is More
• Chapter 2. Millimeter-Wave Characterization of Silicon Devices under Small-Signal Regime: Instruments and Measurement Methodologies
• Chapter 3. Characterization and Modeling of High-Frequency Active Devices Oriented to High-Sensitivity Subsystems Design
• Chapter 4. High-Frequency and Microwave Electromagnetic Analysis Calibration and De-embedding
• Chapter 5. Large-Signal Time-Domain Waveform-Based Transistor Modeling
• Chapter 6. Measuring and Characterizing Nonlinear Radio-Frequency Systems
• Chapter 7. Behavioral Models for Microwave Circuit Design
• Chapter 8. Electromagnetic-Analysis-Based Transistor De-embedding and Related Radio-Frequency Amplifier Design
• Chapter 9. Nonlinear Embedding and De-embedding: Theory and Applications
• Index