RFIC Layout - Transmission Line

[Puppet123]

In RFIC Layout - or > 1GHZ RF IC Layout, when do you use a transmission line versus just using metal interconnect like in lower frequency design ?

Is there a rule of thumb ?

 

[BigBoss]

Transmission Lines are not used in RFIC Designs due to very short distances..

 

[Puppet123]

Doesnt it depend on the distance and the design.

I mean in an LNA with a lot of inductors dont you need transmission lines due to the distance between inductors at say 5-30 GHz ?

 

[BigBoss]

Doesnt it depend on the distance and the design.

I mean in an LNA with a lot of inductors dont you need transmission lines due to the distance between inductors at say 5-30 GHz ?

I don't classify Integrated Circuits which operate over 5GHz being as RFIC.If they include Microwave related structures such as Transmission Lines,Couplers,Power Divider/Combiner etc. I call them as MMIC.