The MICS group is equipped with state-of-art measurement instruments capable of RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave IC/system measurements, analog/mixed signal IC/system measurements, and antenna characterization. Major instruments include a probe station, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, an impedance analyzer, a logic analyzer, function generators, and high-speed digital oscilloscopes. The group also accesses an anechoic antenna chamber for antenna characterization.

The group can access various industry CAD tools for RF and analog IC design including a full suite of Cadence tools, Advanced Design System (ADS), and electromagnetic simulators such as HFSS and Sonnet. The measurement infrastructure enables the MICS group to conduct cutting-edge research in analog/RF ICs and systems, and antennas and RF interfaces.

 

High-Frequency ICs and Systems Measurement Capabilities (~ 110 GHz):

We have access to advanced high-frequency circuit and system characterization capabilities up to 110 GHz with on-wafer probe station.  

  • Cascade Microtech High-frequency Probe Station (N/S/E/W positioners, various GSG, GSSG, and GSGSG Air Coplanar Probes for RF signals up to 110 GHz, multi-tip DCQ and Eyepass probes for DC and IF signals) [MICS #32]
  • HP 85106D Millimeter-wave Subsystem (50-75 GHz, 75-110 GHz) [MICS #3]
  • Agilent E8364B Performance Network Analyzer (10 MHz-50 GHz) with high-power, frequency offset, and time-domain measurement capabilities [MICS #4]
  • HP 8563E Spectrum Analyzer (9 kHz-26.5 GHz) with Phase Noise measurement utility, HP 11970V Harmonic mixer to enable spectrum analysis in the 50-75 GHz band [MICS #11]
  • HP E4411B Spectrum Analyzer, ESA-L (9 kHz – 1.5 GHz) [MICS #13]
  • Anritsu MS 2665C Spectrum Analyzer with remote monitoring and control (9 KHz - 21.2 GHz) [MICS #12]
  • Rohde & Schwarz SMF100A Signal Generator (100 KHz - 43.5 GHz, Output power: +25 dBm, Rise and fall time: < 10 ns) [MICS #9]
  • HP E4418B Power Meter, E9300A Wideband (10 MHz-18 GHz) [MICS #35]
  • Agilent 8973A Noise Figure Analyzer (10 MHz-3 GHz) [MICS #5]