High-Q spiral inductors for high performance integrated RF front-end sub-systems

Wireless telecommunication systems are moving rapidly to broadband applications at high frequencies. ntis evolution poses severe requirement on the miniaturization technologies and components used to realize the RF front-end of these systems. Inductors remain essential components in these miniature RF front-ends. In this paper, high-e spiral inductors integrated in thin film multilayer MCM-D technology are discussed. Using examples of voltage controlled oscillators, filters and a rat race circuit, the impact of the inductor quality on the performance and power consumption in front-end (sub)systems is analyzed. In addition, the relation with cost is indicated. From the discussed examples, it is clear that high-e inductors are essential to achieve a high performance in a miniature RF front-end system at an acceptable cost.