Digital RF processor (DRPTM) for cellular phones

Abstract

RF circuits for multi-GHz frequencies have recently migrated to low-cost digital deep-submicron CMOS processes. Unfortunately, this process environment, which is optimized only for digital logic and SRAM memory, is extremely unfriendly for conventional analog and RF designs. We present fundamental techniques recently developed that transform the RF and analog circuit design complexity to digital domain for a wireless RF transceiver, so that it enjoys the benefits of digital approach, such as process node scaling and design automation. All-digital phase locked loop, all-digital control of phase and amplitude of a polar transmitter, and direct RF sampling techniques allow great flexibility in reconfigurable radio design. Digital signal processing concepts are used to help relieve analog design complexity, allowing one to reduce cost and power consumption in a reconfigurable design environment. Software layers are defined to enable these architectures to develop an efficient software defined radio. VHDL hardware description language is universally used throughout this SoC. The ideas presented have been used in Texas Instruments to develop two generations of commercial digital RF processors: a single-chip Bluetooth radio and a single-chip GSM radio.