RFICs for reduced size, cost and power consumption in handheld wireless transceivers

The high volume potential of existing and proposed wireless Personal Communications Systems in the 800-2500 MHz frequency range presents tremendous challenges and opportunities to designers and suppliers of RFICs. Amplifiers, oscillators, frequency converters and synthesizers are now required to operate from lower supply voltages, consume less current and reduce their physical size while meeting aggressive targets for performance, quality, cost and uniformity. This paper describes Silicon Bipolar and GaAs RFIC process technologies which are particularly well suited to this market. Furthermore, the roles of existing and future RFICs, hybrid modules and discrete devices for a typical RF system architecture in a half-duplex digital radio are discussed. Some key technical constraints that impact the performance of RFIC components at supply voltages of 3V or less are also illustrated in detail.