F1: Advanced RF transceiver design techniques

Abstract

Radio-frequency performance is limited by fundamental constraints in dynamic range, as CMOS scaling continues to push supply voltages lower. The receiver needs to reject large in-band and out-of-band blockers while detecting small desired signals. The transmitter needs to maintain high efficiency and low distortion, while processing signals with wider bandwidths and higher peak-to-average ratios to support high data rates. Recent developments in RF transceiver design utilize techniques that cancel noise and distortion in receiver and transmitter signal paths. Digital circuits and calibration are increasingly being used to aid radio performance and allow area reduction. This Forum will present advanced circuit design techniques that demonstrate the current state-of-the-art. System specifications will be discussed to provide context for the required circuit enhancements. The first three talks will focus on noise and distortion cancellation techniques used in receivers. The next three talks will focus on transmitter design including both digital and analog linearization techniques. Finally, the last talk will introduce in-device co-existence issues and solutions for wireless systems that require multiple radios operating concurrently. This Forum is aimed at circuit designers and engineers active in radio-transceiver and wireless-system design.