A 0.075-mm² 6–15.3-GHz Active Digital Step Attenuator With Novel Current-Tuning Topology for Phased-Array Radar System

A fully integrated 6-15.3 GHz active digital step attenuator (DSA) with 5-bit digital gain control for phased-array radar system in SMIC 40-nm CMOS technology is presented in this brief. Based on a novel current-tuning variable gain amplifier (VGA)-topology, amplitude control over a wider band is achieved. The main amplification common-source (CS) transistor was designed to operate in the linear region for a larger attenuation range. The fabricated active DSA exhibits a 15.5-dB tuning range with 0.5-dB tuning step, constant input and output impedance in various attenuation states and good matching characteristics. The measured root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude and phase errors are respectively <0.3 dB and <2.95∘ over 6-15.3 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 87.3%. The measured input 1-dB compression point (IP1dB) is ≥-1.07 dBm with power consumption of 18.4-29.6 mW from a 1.2-V supply. Since no additional phase-compensation circuit is required, the core chip only occupies 0.075 mm2 after elaborate design.