3.3 V GPS receiver MMIC implemented on a mixed-signal, silicon bipolar array

Abstract

A generic Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver architecture is described to highlight the RF/microwave semiconductor components. This generic GPS monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) contains two downconversion stages and the dividers, buffers, digital phase-frequency detector, and negative resistance cell required to synthesize both local oscillators (LOs) and a transistor-transistor logic (TTL) system clock. The MMIC operates from a 20-MHz external reference and provides overall conversion gain of about 65 dB from a 1575-MHz RF to a 15-MHz second IF. The 1.8*1.8-mm MMIC was implemented on a mixed-signal, silicon bipolar cell array and consumed less than 150 mW from a single 3.3-V supply.<>