A prototype single-chip spectrum analyzer with integrated frequency-synthesized tuning

A variety of applications such as spectrum monitoring systems and dynamic spectrum access systems motivate the development of on-chip capability to measure the frequency spectrum of the local radio environment. Toward this end, a prototype of a simple single-chip frequency-synthesized spectrum analyzer is presented. The design is targeted for applications where the spectrum analyzer would be a component of a larger complex system. Therefore, a simple architecture is considered in order to minimize chip area and reduce power consumption. Although the proposed spectrum analyzer architecture is uncomplicated, it nevertheless provides useful baseline capability for measurement of the frequency spectrum. A prototype was fabricated in a standard 0.5 micron CMOS process, and measured results are given from 20 to 200 MHz.