This technology is a method for spatio-temporal conductance modulation that employs a clock in a sub-harmonic frequency to achieve non-reciprocity in circulators and isolators.
Increased usage of wireless communication systems has created significant signal traffic for both wireless transmission and reception. Full-duplex (FD) communication modes have been developed that manage data traffic demands, but these modes require non-reciprocal antenna components that are traditionally constructed using bulky, expensive magnetic materials that are incompatible with integrated-circuit fabrication processes. As such, a method that integrates magnetic-free non-reciprocal components in modern semiconductor processes would enable breakthroughs in communications and sensing.
This technology utilizes a clock that operates in sub-harmonic frequency to achieve non-reciprocity with magnet-free components. Importantly, this technique is not limited to any particular frequency and can be employed at RF, millimeter-wave, and Terahertz frequencies to realize magnet-free, compact non-reciprocal components such as circulators and isolators. Furthermore, this technology may be integrated in any semiconductor technology, including silicon, Gallium Nitride (GaN), Indium phosphide (InP), Gallium arsenide (GaAs). Using a sub-harmonic clock path eases the clock path design and reduces clock path power consumption, and enables the design of circulators and isolators with very high linearity, as lower clock frequency allows the use of switch transistors with higher voltage breakdown and power handling. As such, this technology provides a tunable method for achieving non-reciprocity with magnetic-free components for improved circuit components for communications and sensing.
A prototype of this technology was used to realize a millimeter-wave (25 GHz) circulator fully integrated in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology.
IR CU16298
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel