Module: Communications IC Architectures

Code: AMI4614

15 credits at level HE7

Description and Purpose of Module

Rationale
This module is a first introduction at postgraduate level to the concepts and requirements of communications systems, with an emphasis on monolithic integration. Application areas include cellular telephone systems and satellite communications.

Who can benefit?
The module is intended for design engineers who have not previously worked in this field. The module can be studied on its own or as part of a programme leading to a formal qualification.

Aims
The aim of the module is to develop an awareness and understanding of the design of RF integrated circuits based on commercial VLSI processes.


Indicative Syllabus Content

Introduction
- radio communications circuits
- radio concepts and fundamentals, noise, bandwidth, dynamic range.

Radio architectures - superhetrodyne systems, direct conversion, low cost design approaches.

Monolithic RF circuits - review of commercial designs.

Wireless LANs

Process choice for communications - comparison of processes, relative costs, capabilities, availability. Silicon bipolar, silicon CMOS, GaAs, HEMT, silicon germanium.

Radio architectures - filter requirements and realisation. Design requirements and constraints. Sub-division of the radio into functional blocks. Introduction to digital radio.

Phase Locked Loop design - PLL design aspects, circuit blocks required, frequency ranges, techniques for enhancement, noise performance predictions and measurement techniques.

Direct Digital Synthesis - DDS design aspects, circuit blocks required, frequency ranges, techniques for enhancement, noise performance predictions and measurement techniques.

Analogue to digital conversion for radio - requirements for ADCs and DACs in digital radio, noise and dynamic range considerations.

Digital filtering and demodulation - digital filtering basics, requirements, concepts of filter 'cores', interaction of analogue and digital filters.

Chip design - RF models, specialist simulations, Monte-Carlo methods, low-noise and mixer design aspects.

Layout aspects - Layout of RF chips, special considerations.

Alternative architectures - the software radio - futuristic design of radio communications systems.


Learning, Teaching and Assessment

The module is expected to involve 150 hours learning time spread over 12 weeks. All study and assessment is carried out via the internet so there is no requirement to attend in person. The approach is substantially student centered, with tutor support by email and telephone on a one-to-one basis, although peer discussion is encouraged. Typically the generality of a concept is introduced in the online text and the student is then directed to a variety of information sources to research and analyse the subject area further, reflect and draw appropriate conclusions. Self-assessment questions (SAQs) throughout the module reinforce the concepts and help students to monitor their progress and the effectiveness of their study. The module includes practical work using remote access to industry standard software hosted centrally. The module is assessed by two assignments, weighted 30% and 70%.


Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria
When you have successfully completed this module you will: To demonstrate that you have achieved the learning outcome you will:
1.To be able to evaluate a range of process technologies and select the most appropriate to meet a specification for a high frequency application1.Evaluate criteria affecting the performance of IC designs at high frequency and choose an appropriate process technology for:
1.1 a design element
1.2 a larger design
2.To be able to optimise a design for communications2.Develop and simulate an IC design based on a given specification suitable for communications by evaluating a range of criteria affecting the performance high frequency for:
2.1 a design element
2.2 a larger design
3.To be able to critically evaluate design architectures for RF specifically for VLSI fabrication. 3.Evaluate criteria affecting the performance of IC designs at high frequency, taking a system level approach and using an appropriate high level M4odelling language.

Assessment

Your achievement of the learning outcomes for this module will be tested as follows:

TypeCWCW
DescriptionDetail the design of a low noise amplifier ( LNA) that meets the specified criteria.Detail the design of an RF Front end including LNA, Mixer and VCO to the defined specification.
%age3070
Learning Outcomes12,3

Prerequisite Module(s)

There are no prerequisites for this module.

Barred Combinations

No restrictions apply.

Indicative Reading

Machado G.A.S., Low Power HF Microelectronics - A Unified Approach, IEE, 1996 ISBN 0-852-96874-4.
Kesteloot A. and Hutchinson C.L., The ARRL Spread Spectrum Sourcebook, The American Radio Relay League, ISBN 0-872-59317-7.
Haigh D. and Everard J., GaAs Technology and its Impact on Circuits and Systems, IEE, ISBN 0-863-41187-8.
Manassewitsch V., Frequency Synthesisers Theory and Design, Wiley Interscience, ISBN 0-471-01116-9.
Rohde U. L., Microwave and Wireless Synthesisers - Theory and Design, 1997, Wiley Interscience, ISBN 0-471-52019-5
Biddulph R., Radio Communication Handbook, 7th Ed, 1999, Radio Society of Great Britain, 1999, ISBN 1-872-30953-4.
Chen W-K, The Circuits and Filters Handbook, CRC Press/IEEE Press, 1995, ISBN 0-849-38341-2.
Williams A.B. and Taylor F.J., Electronic Filter Design Handbook, McGraw-Hill, 1988, ISBN 0-070-70434-1.
Sheingold D., Analog-digital Conversion Handbook, 1986, Analog Devices, ISBN 0-130-32848-0.
Sheng S. and Brodersen R., Low-power CMOS Wireless Communications - A Wideband CDMA System Design, 1998, Kluwer Academic Publishers, ISBN 0-792-38085-1.

Reference manuals for Microsim PSPICE.
Reference manuals for Cadence Artist