MMIC

From Free net encyclopedia

MMICs, or Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits, are integrated circuit (IC) devices that operate at microwave frequencies. They typically perform functions such as microwave mixing, power amplification, low noise amplification and high frequency solid state switch. Inputs and outputs on MMIC devices are frequently matched the standard 50 ohms; this makes them easy to use, because an external matching network is not always necessary.

MMICs are dimensionally small (from around 1 mm² to 10 mm²) and can be mass produced, which has allowed the proliferation of high radio frequency devices such as the cellular phone. MMICs are most often fabricated using Gallium Arsenide, Indium Phosphide or Silicon Germanium making them generally more expensive than silicon ICs, and so are used in high frequency applications where efficiency, power or noise requirements are out of the reach of other cheaper technologies.

See "RFIC and MMIC Design and Technology" published by the IEE (London) ISBN 0852967861 Editors I. D. Robertson and S. Lucyszyn