A paradigm shift in mixed-signal bulk CMOS product-on-chip design

The cost difference between wireless systems made of discrete components and system-on-chip solutions made using bulk CMOS is diminishing. Assuming that engineering design domain knowledge is already in place, the processes of designing both discrete and SOC wireless communications systems are converging in terms of time and economics. The time has come to consider the option of replacing traditional PCB and discrete devices with fully-integrated silicon designs. This paper discusses the rationale behind this paradigm shift.