M.Sc. Henning Poensgen

The increasing demand for high-data-rate wireless communication systems has driven research into the D-band frequency range (110–170 GHz), where parasitic effects from packaging become critical design limitations. Even small impedance mismatches at interconnects and device interfaces can significantly degrade gain, noise performance of a receiver system. As a result, reconfigurable matching networks and impedance tuners can be employed to alleviate mismatch.

This thesis focuses on the design and investigation of reconfigurable matching networks for D-band applications, targeting single- and multi-pole resonator-based circuits. In regions close to the maximum oscillation frequencies of active components it is challenging to design moderate/high Q-factor variable capacitors. Thus, the performance trade-off between tuning range, insertion loss and bandwidth becomes more pronounced than in sub-mmW frequency ranges. 

The analysis and design will take place using Keysight ADS and Cadence Virtuoso.

On individual interest, this topic can be extended to:

- couplers and baluns
- stand-alone filters