Patent attributes
In an integrated circuit a microwave signal is routed through a selected signal path. Routing is accomplished by switching to determine the signal path. Control signals are applied remotely. The microwave integrated circuit is programmable by virtue of the ability to command selection of a signal path. The signal path is chosen to include or avoid selected “RF functional elements,” i.e., components through which radio frequency signals may be routed. RF functional elements may include, for example, amplifiers, mixers, attenuators, and phase shifters. Aspects of programmability in the integrated circuit include the provision of the functional circuit elements for selectable connection in signal paths, the switching and interconnect technologies used to switch and connect between them, and the arrangement of the functional circuit elements in relationship to each other.
