3D integrated LTCC module using μBGA technology for compact C-band RF front-end module

Abstract

This paper presents a novel 3D integration approach for system-on-package (SOP) based solutions for wireless communication applications. This concept has been applied for the 3D integration of a C band Wireless LAN (WLAN) RF front-end module by means of stacking LTCC substrates using /spl mu/BGA technology. Characterization and modeling of RF vertical board-to-board transition, using /spl mu/BGA process are presented for the first time. Specific investigations for 5.8 GHz WLAN applications such as high performance embedded band-pass filter design, and a via-fed stacked cavity-backed patch antenna development are reported. GaAs MESFET-based Rx and Tx chipset is implemented in GaAs MESFET process and combined with the suggested package structure, demonstrating 3D integration concept suitable for C-band wireless communication applications.