An 8-PSK receiver using an integrated low-noise amplifier & super-regenerative oscillator with digital detection technique

Abstract

Simulations of a receiver using a Super-Regenerative Oscillator (SRO) as a front end, to demodulate 8-PSK Modulated Signals, is presented. The circuit involves a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) combined with the SRO, for the purpose of current reuse, operating in 402-405 MHz MICS band. Demodulation is done utilizing the phase content of the signal that has been regenerated by the front-end of the receiver (LNA & SRO). The demodulation is achieved without downconverting incoming RF signal into IF band which eliminates the use of a Local Oscillator (LO), a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) or an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). The complete design of the receiver made use of 0.12 μm CMOS technology and pre-layout simulations confirm proper and efficient demodulation of 8-PSK signals. The power consumption of around 175 μW is measured for an input of -80 dBm at a rate of 4Mbps.