High-Q Slow-Wave Coplanar Waveguides

Abstract: A comprehensive study of methods of maximizing Q for slow-wave coplanar waveguides is described. In addition to the widths of the signal conductor and coplanar ground lines and the distance between them, the length, spacing and stacking of the metal layers of the substrate shield strips are also shown to be critical in maximizing performance. Measured results from more than 50 different devices show that a 7X increase in the quality factor (e.g., Q > 70 at 24 GHz in 0.18 {\mu}m CMOS) is achievable using the optimum topology with optimum dimensions.