Browsing by Author "Dr. Douglas W. Barlage, Committee Member"

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    Design and Characterization of Frequency Agile RF and Microwave Devices using Ferroelectrics
    (2007-03-23) Nath, Jayesh; Dr. Gianluca Lazzi, Committee Member; Dr. Douglas W. Barlage, Committee Member; Dr. Angus I. Kingon, Committee Member; Dr. Michael B. Steer, Committee Chair
    A methodology for the optimized design of tunable distributed resonators is introduced and verified. This technique enables maximum tuning with minimum degradation in quality (Q) factor. The concept of a network transformation factor and a new figure-of-merit for tunable resonators is introduced and applied to experimental data. The figure-of-merit quantifies the trade-off between tunability and Q factor for a given tuning ratio of the variable reactance device. As such, it can be extended to the design of filters, phase shifters, antennas, matching networks and other frequency-agile devices where resonant elements are used. Varactors utilizing Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) thin-film were designed and fabricated in integrated form and also in discrete form as standard 0603 components. High frequency characterization and modeling of BST varactors is described. A novel characterization technique for the intrinsic loss extraction of symmetrical two-port networks was developed and verified experimentally. Both integrated and discrete BST thin-film varactors were used to design, fabricate and characterize frequency-agile circuits. Tunable bandpass and bandstop filters and matching networks are described. A dual-mode, narrowband microstrip patch antenna with independently tunable modes was developed and characterized. Tuning and nonlinear characterization results are presented. Investigation for the use of BST thin-film varactors for voltage-controlled oscillators and phase shifters are also presented. Design parameters, fabrication issues, and processing challenges are discussed.
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    An Integrated Tool For High Speed Circuits with Substrate Coupling.
    (2003-06-04) Bollapragada, Rajesh; Dr. Michael B. Steer, Committee Chair; Dr. Douglas W. Barlage, Committee Member; Dr. Rhett W. Davis, Committee Member
    An integrated environment for layout-oriented design of circuits for spatial power combining system is aimed in this study. The simulation environment would include a full-wave electromagnetic simulator and a circuit simulator, fREEDA, with a front engine, which is the major emphasis in this document. fREEDA implements local reference node instead of a global ground and this is crucial for distributed circuits. The models are implemented in object-oriented fashion and uses automatic differentiation. The same model can be used for DC, transient and harmonic balance analysis.