Non-linear RF modelling of semiconductor substrate materials in integrated circuits

Details

Supervisors

Raskin, Jean-Pierre ; Lederer, Dimitri

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électricien, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

At high frequencies, accurate modelling of parasitic elements is crucial for the design of integrated circuits. The substrate contributes significantly to these parasitic elements and its modelling is a challenge, especially under large-amplitude excitation conditions for which harmonic distortion appears. This work focuses on the substrate-induced signal distortion modelling and simulations of integrated circuits on silicon-based substrates. The simulation approach developed in this thesis is relevant to the design of RF and mm-Wave circuits. As of yet, no satisfactory and widely applicable large-signal modelling tool is available that can capture substrate-induced signal distortion effects. A potential design flow to be of practical use to the Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuits design community is proposed in this work.