Millimeter-Wave System-on-Chip Applications from Space Explorations to Contactless Connectivity

Abstract

This paper highlights a wide range of (sub)-mm Wave system-on-chip (SoC) applications from space exploration to contactless connectivity. Passive and active SoCs developed at UCLA and NCTU, including heterodyne-radiometer, spectrometer processor, and multiband radio/radars, will he exemplified as cost/weight/energy-effective ways to explore astrophysics and earth/planetary sciences. Multi-Giga-bit/sec contactless connectors based on mm-Wave radios have also been successfully developed and commercialized to replace high-performance mechanical connectors/cables for smartphones, electrical cars, and data centers. Techniques to augment range and bandwidth efficiency according to PAM-4 modulations and flexible plastic waveguide are also reviewed with design and test results.