Abstract
This paper presents a novel and compact vector modulator (VM) architecture implemented in 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The design is suitable for use in receive phased arrays for the gateways of major low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations that operate in the 17.8 to 20.2 GHz frequency range. The proposed architecture uses four variable gain amplifiers (VGA) that are active at any given time and are switched to generate the four quadrants. Compared to conventional architectures, this structure is more compact and produces double the output amplitude. The design offers 6-bit phase control for 360°, and the total root mean square (RMS) phase and gain errors are 2.36° and 1.46 dB, respectively. The design occupies an area of 1309.4 μm × 1783.8 μm (including pads).