Designing Bipolar Transistor Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits »

This practical resource offers engineers an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of bipolar transistor RFIC design. Unlike most books on the market that focus on GaAs MESFET or silicon CMOS process technology, this unique volume is dedicated exclusively to RFIC designs based on bipolar technology. Until now, critical GaAs HBT and SiGe HBT process technologies have been largely neglected in reference books. This book fills this gap, providing a detailed treatment of this increasingly important topic.

Professionals discover a wide range of circuit topologies that are optimized for maximum performance with bipolar devices. From discussions of key applications (Bluetooth, UWB, GPS, WiMax) and architectures to in-depth coverage of fabrication technologies and amplifier design to a look at performance trade-offs and production costs, this book arms engineers with complete design know-how for their challenging work in the field.

About the Author:
Allen A. Sweet is an RF/microwave communications technology consultant with more than 35 years of industry experience and an adjunct professor of electrical engineering at Santa Clara University

Acknowledgments     xi
Introduction     1
References     11
Applications     13
Cellular/PCS Handsets     13
Cellular/PCS Infrastructure     15
WLANs     16
Bluetooth     17
UWB     18
WiMax     19
Digital TV and Set-Top Boxes     20
Cognitive Radio     20
Spectrum Allocation in the United States (All Frequencies in Megahertz)     21
Physical Layer Standards     22
References     24
RFIC Architectures     25
I/Q Receivers     25
I/Q Modulators     30
Nonzero IF Receivers     32
Zero IF Receivers     37
Differential versus Single-Ended Topologies     41
References     41
InGaP/GaAs HBT Fabrication Technology     43
Transistor Structures     43
Device Models     45
Passive Structures, Their Electrical Models, and Layout Design Rules     48
Microstrip Lines     53
TFR Resistors     55
M1-to-M2 Vias     57
MIM Capacitors     57
Substrate Vias     58
Bonding Pads     60
Crossover Capacitances     61
Spiral Inductors     62
Transistor Dummy Cells     64
Significant Layout Parasitic Elements     65
Simple Layout Example     65
Maximum Electrical Ratings     67
CAD Layout Tools     70
References     70
SiGe HBT Fabrication Technology     71
SiGe HBT Transistor Structures     71
Transistor Device Models     79
Passive Device Structures and Models     81
Design Rules     86
CAD Layout     86
References     87
Passive Circuit Design     89
Low-Pass Filters     89
High-Pass Filters     93
Band-Pass Filters     93
Differential Filters     95
Technology and Substrates     99
Splitters/Dividers     99
Phase Shifters and Baluns     102
References     104
Amplifier Design Basics     105
Matching Techniques     105
Gain Compensation     106
Fano's Limit     106
Stability     107
Noise Match      109
Differential Amplifiers     109
Cascode Amplifiers     111
References     113
Low-Noise Amplifier Design     115
Noise Figure Concepts     115
Noise Temperature     116
Front-end Attenuation and LNAs     117
Multistage Noise Figure Contributions     117
Circuit Topologies for Low Noise     118
Design Example 1: Single-Ended PCS LNA     126
Design Example 2: Three-Transistor Hybrid Darlington Differential LNA Using SiGe Technology     127
References     132
Power Amplifier Design     133
Loadline Concepts     134
Maximum Power and Efficiency     136
Class AB Power Amplifiers     139
Definitions of Nonlinear Performance Metrics     141
Adjacent Channel Power Ratio     145
Error Vector Magnitude     146
Circuit Topologies for PAs     147
Matching Circuit Options     149
Stability     150
Bias Circuits     150
Design Example 3: Wideband Gain Block Darlington Amplifier     154
Design Example 4: Feedback Power Amplifier Design     164
References     171
Designing Multistage Amplifiers     173
Multistage LNAs     173
Multistage Power Amplifiers     175
Gain and Power Allocations     177
Active Device Sizing     177
Design Example 5: A Differential PCS PA     181
References     194
Mixer/Modulator Design     195
Mixer Basics     195
Diode Mixers     197
Single-Balanced Active Multiplying Mixers     200
Fully Balanced Active Multiplying Mixers (Gilbert Cell)     205
I/Q Mixers     217
I/Q Modulators     219
Design Example 6: Cellular/PCS Downconverting Mixer RFIC     221
References     230
Frequency Multiplier Design     231
Frequency Doublers     231
Frequency Triplers     233
Frequency Translators     235
References     239
Voltage-Controlled Oscillator Design     241
Varactor Diode Basics     242
Negative-Resistance Concepts     248
Types of Resonators     252
Feedback Circuit Topologies for Producing Negative Resistance     252
Negative-Resistance Oscillator Circuits     252
The Colpitts Oscillator Circuit      258
Frequency-Temperature Stability     261
Phase Noise     263
Quadrature Phase-Shifting Networks     266
Ring Oscillators     267
Design Example 7: 802.11a (Wi-Fi A) Differential VCO     272
Figure of Merit     278
Electronic Tuning and a Differential VCO Topology     279
References     281
Layout Design Strategies     283
Minimum Area     283
"On-Chip" versus "Off-Chip" Component Decisions     283
Minimizing Parasitics     284
Testability     285
Types of CAD Systems     286
Foundry Comparison     287
Reticle Assembly     289
RFIC Economics     293
Levels of Integration     293
Single-Ended versus Differential Topologies     294
Process Technology Choices     295
Area versus Performance Trade-offs     296
Electrical Yield     297
Prototype Costs     298
Production Costs     298
Acronyms     301
About the Author     305
Index     307