Bringing RFIC Design And Verification Into The Modern Era


For decades, developers of radio frequency (RF) chips and other analog/mixed-signal (AMS) integrated circuits (ICs) have used traditional techniques for design and verification. Most RFIC designers have continued to hand-craft active and passive devices, manually place and route their circuits, and rely on the bring-up lab to validate their pre-silicon SPICE simulations. It is often said that a... » read more

EDA Software Design Flow Considerations For The RF/Microwave Module Designer


Miniaturization of consumer products, aerospace and defense systems, medical devices, and LED arrays has spawned the development of a technology known as the multi-chip module (MCM), which combines multiple integrated circuits (ICs), semiconductor die, and other discrete components within a unifying substrate for use as a single component. This white paper outlines the steps for implementing an... » read more

Measuring Frequency Dependence Across 5G mmWave Bands (NIST)


New research paper from NIST, "Methodology for Measuring the Frequency Dependence of Multipath Channels Across the Millimeter-Wave Spectrum." Abstract "Millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications promise Gigabit/s data rates thanks to the availability of large swaths of bandwidth between 10–100 GHz. Although cellular operators prefer the lower portions of the spectrum due to popular belief ... » read more

Paving The Way For 5G: RF Filter Process Monitoring And Control Using Picosecond Ultrasonic Metrology


A recent study shows the radio frequency (RF) filter market growing steadily by nearly $16 billion from 2019 to 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20%, according to Technavio. The strong growth in the RF filter market is driven by the increased adoption of 5G technology, the surge in smartphones using 5G, and commercial and consumer devices dependent on internet of th... » read more

Turning MBSE Inside-Out For An RF EDA Shift Left


Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) focuses on creating and exploiting domain models in a digital modeling language. RF system designers trying to use generic MBSE tools soon run into a problem: developing behavioral models. Without high-fidelity models, simulations miss real-world results, and a digital twin won’t be worth the effort. What’s helping RF teams get engineering tasks done i... » read more

Improved graphene-base heterojunction transistor with different collector semiconductors for high-frequency applications


New research paper from TU Dresden & others. Abstract "A new kind of transistor device with a graphene monolayer embedded between two n-typesilicon layers is fabricated and characterized. The device is called graphene-base heterojunction transistor (GBHT). The base-voltage controls the current of the device flowing from the emitter via graphene to the collector. The transit time for e... » read more

The Value Of RF Harmonic Balance Analyses For Analog Verification


By Pradeep Thiagarajan and Scott Guyton The world we live in is intricately connected by electronic systems that are expected to function flawlessly to satisfy consumer needs. Functionality violations beyond certain tolerance levels are frowned upon and negatively impact the quality level of products. These systems are required to function accurately, in tandem with other interdependent syst... » read more

RF To mmWave Design For Systems


RF-enabled next-generation communication systems and connected devices are differentiated by their performance, size, and cost. Traditionally, custom proprietary IC designs, leveraging the latest advanced-node technology, were developed to meet these product requirements. Increasingly these challenges are being met by moving beyond single IC solutions. Today’s electronic systems often integra... » read more

RF/Microwave EDA Software Design Flow Considerations For PA MMIC Design


In this white paper, a gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high-electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) power amplifier (PA) design approach is examined from a systems perspective. It highlights the design flow and its essential features for most PA design projects by illustrating a simple Class A GaAs pHEMT monolithic microwave IC (MMIC) PA design using Cadence AWR Microwave Office circuit desi... » read more

What Causes Semiconductor Aging?


Semiconductor technology has evolved to the point where no one can assume chips will last forever. If not carefully considered, aging can shorten the life of an IC below the needs for an intended application. Aging is well studied in technology circles, but while others less directly involved may understand at a general level this is a problem, it's not always obvious why. So what exactly ar... » read more

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