The objective of this course is to provide a state of the art review of phase locked loop circuits and applications from a design and development perspective. Intended for RF and Microwave Engineers, the course details out the design and development of phase locked loop circuits. Topics include PLL basics, VCOs, phase detectors, open and close loop characterization, loop filter design, and phase noise concepts. Examples will be given to a variety of problems relevant to the design of phase locked loops. View full abstract»

This tutorial completes the design of the control circuits and focuses on controlling the Sense Amp and enabling the write data. An additional requirement for decoding which columns are written to and read from will be achieved through column decode circuitry that determines which SACL(3:0) and WCRWT(3:0) will be selected. One of the key features of the design will focus on Bit Line Ref (BLRF) which indicates when acceptable differential has been created at the input to the Sense Amp. This indicator is designed to tract the actual memory cell?s driving of the bit lines in a way that can adjust the timing of SACL based on variations in process, conditions and changes in the drive strength of the accessed memory cell. View full abstract»

This course will provide an introduction covering the superheterodyne receiver, the ideal brick wall filter, and insertion loss and return loss concepts. Additionally, approximation theory and equal ripple functions as well as amplitude and group delay responses will be discussed. Lowpass prototypes will be covered in this course including Chebyshev and elliptic prototypes. The course will review the process of finding prototype element values, frequency and impedance scaling, and transformations to highpass, bandpass, and bandstop. Finally, unloaded Q and loss will be discussed. In particular, Qu and volume, basic concepts will be reviewed. Additionally, Qu for common technologies and estimating midband loss will be discussed. View full abstract»

This tutorial will present multi-path receivers architectures as a potential candidate for the design of software-defined receivers. These receivers parallelize the front-end by expanding the RF input signal. This expansion requires multiple paths, and parallel sampling at the end of the integration time provides a set of coefficients that become the digital representation of the signal. Each parallel path comprises of a switched gm-C filter structure that is modified to combine mixing with a base function, windowing and integration. Due to parallel digital signal processing, each path operates only on a fraction of the signal bandwidth, thus relaxing the tracking bandwidth requirements and minimizing the power consumption of each sampling path. Further, the lower speeds provide robustness to jitter in the sampling clocks, which otherwise can impose a major limitation in achieving high dynamic range. This topology enables the realization of a Software-defined radio multi-standard receiver that not only works for narrowband standards like GSM and Bluetooth, but also for wideband standards like Wimax and Wi-Fi and very wideband standards like ultrawideband. View full abstract»

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a method of digital modulation in which a signal is split into several narrowband channels at different frequencies.

CDMA is a form of multiplexing, which allows numerous signals to occupy a single transmission channel, optimising the use of available bandwidth. Multiplexing is sending multiple signals or streams of information on a carrier at the same time in the form of a single, complex signal and then recovering the separate signals at the receiving end.

Multi-Carrier (MC) CDMA is a combined technique of Direct Sequence (DS) CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and OFDM techniques. It applies spreading sequences in the frequency domain.

Wireless communications has witnessed a tremendous growth during the past decade and further spectacular enabling technology advances are expected in an effort to render ubiquitous wireless connectivity a reality.

This series of courses will provide exposure to OFDM, MIMO-OFDM and MC-CDMA. Some working experience on signal processing, OFDM, CDMA, radio-frequency electronics, is assumed. In Part 5 of this series, we will consider different-complexity multi-user uplink OFDM systems and their MUDs. This part will be concluded by introducing decision-directed joint channel- and data estimation methods for multi-user OFDM, which are capable of approaching the perfect-channel-estimation based idealized system's performance. View full abstract»

This tutorial reviews the topic of operational security-based radio frequency identification security with a focus on cryptography. It is divided into two main section. In the first section, we focus on three main topics: OPSEC indicators and process; RFID attack examples; and RFID mapping to IPv6. Explanations and examples will be provided. In the second section, we discuss what we need to do in order to protect RFID from hackers with malicious intent if we encounter IPv6 vulnerabilities. View full abstract»

The silicon-germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor (SiGe HBT) is the first practical bandgap-engineered device to be realized in silicon. This course will provide a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in SiGe HBTs and assess its potential for current and future wireless and wireline applications. SiGe HBT technology combines transistor performance competitive with III-V technologies such as GaAs and InP with the processing maturity, integration levels, yield, and cost commonly associated with conventional Si CMOS fabrication. First-generation SiGe HBTs can deliver: fT in excess of 50 GHz, fmax in excess of 70 GHz, minimum noise figure below 0.5 dB at 2.0 GHz, linearity efficiency (OIP3/Pdc) above 10, 1/f noise corner frequencies below 1 kHz, operation at cryogenic temperatures, excellent radiation hardness, as well as yield, reliability and cost comparable to Si. Aggressively-scaled SiGe HBTs can achieve greater than 200 GHz transistor-level performance, and thus are expected to enable Si-based solutions for >40 GB/sec data links and emerging RF, microwave, and even mm-wave systems. View full abstract»

This is a 2-part course. The Advanced Protocols for Wireless Ad-hoc Networks will illustrate that in Ad-Hoc networks where there is no underlying fixed infrastructure, tasks such as network self-organization, mobility management, adaptive route detection for unicast and multicast applications, and provisioning of Gateway functionality to interconnect the ad-hoc network to the rest of the Internet space must be handled according to rules that are unique to the ad-hoc nature of the system. Topics related to support of QoS at various network layers will also be discussed, with emphasis on layers 2, 3, and 4 of the network. We will investigate the performance of these protocols in terms of their level of scalability to different sizes, and traffic loads. Topics of security will also be discussed. View full abstract»

The real world is different from engineering school and engineers can benefit from learning soft skills to complement their technical skills. This tutorial is designed to help younger engineers and emerging project managers learn the soft skills that are important to be more effective in today's fast-paced world. The soft skills include: decision-making, setting priorities, running meetings, speaking, writing and listening more effectively, running teams and negotiating. View full abstract»

This is a 2-part tutorial. The first-half of this course will focus on the basics and analyze induction and permanent-magnet ac machines in a way that clearly explains how these machines operate on a physical basis, and hence how they ought to be controlled for optimum performance. After completing this course you should be able to develop an understanding of how ac machines operate on a physical basis. View full abstract»

As today's ubiquitous wireless devices decrease in size, there is an increasing demand for physically smaller antennas, yet the performance requirements are rarely relaxed. Optimizing the performance properties of electrically small antennas represents a significant design challenge for the antenna engineer. This course provides a discussion on the fundamental theory, challenges and performance trade-offs associated with the design of electrically small antennas. The course begins with a brief overview of the basic theory and concepts associated with electrically small antennas. This segment of the presentation provides an understanding of antenna performance limitations in terms of impedance, radiation patterns, bandwidth, efficiency, and quality factor. Techniques used to design self-resonant electrically small antennas are described and compared. These include dielectric loading, linear loading (increasing wire length), top-loading, and "folded" configurations. The relationship between the antenna¿s performance characteristics and its physical properties is discussed. Issues such as the significance of antenna geometry are considered. The performance of the small antenna on small finite ground planes is considered with a particular emphasis on how the antenna¿s location on the ground plane affects impedance, pattern and polarization properties. The lecture concludes with a discussion on recent advances made in the design of low profile, conformal and integrated device antennas. View full abstract»

Computational Intelligence techniques are a powerful and adaptable approach to tackle problems and cases for which the conventional technologies have not been proved sufficiently effective. These results are achieved by mimicking some aspects of the knowledge representation and processing performed by the brain. The computational efforts implied by these approaches are usually quite relevant. View full abstract»

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is made up of a large number of sensors which are extremely small, low-cost, and low-power devices that collect environmental data (acoustics, light, temperature, humidity, imaging, etc.) that is then communicated through radio or optical means to infrastructure processing nodes. WSNs may consist of up to thousands of nodes, which can be deployed in very high density, in homes, highways, buildings, cities, and infrastructures for monitoring and/or controlling purposes. Applications may range from detecting and monitoring occurrences of natural disasters and homeland security, to military surveillance. This introduction to emerging WSN applications reveals how developments in micro- and nanotechnology have aided advancements in WSNs and highlights implementation of several real systems that hint of tomorrow's potential. View full abstract»

Variability is a reality in nanometer semiconductor processes. This course will cover the sources of systematic and random variations of transistors and their surrounding interconnects. Included in the variability discussion will be withinchip variability, across-wafer variability, across-device variability, and device mismatch. The resulting impact upon an individual circuit?s functionality and timing will be explored. Analytical approaches will be shown for examining the variability?s impact upon leakage power, dynamic power, and circuit functionality of static and dynamic circuits, SRAM arrays, and PLLs. Techniques will include Monte-Carlo analysis, vector analysis, and statistical timing analysis. View full abstract»

This tutorial will cover how to optimize transmission of OFDM by taking a look at: Pulse Shaping, Guard Time; Coded OFDM; Peak Power Problem and Remedies; Multicarrier CDMA. View full abstract»

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a method of digital modulation in which a signal is split into several narrowband channels at different frequencies.

CDMA is a form of multiplexing, which allows numerous signals to occupy a single transmission channel, optimising the use of available bandwidth. Multiplexing is sending multiple signals or streams of information on a carrier at the same time in the form of a single, complex signal and then recovering the separate signals at the receiving end.

Multi-Carrier (MC) CDMA is a combined technique of Direct Sequence (DS) CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and OFDM techniques. It applies spreading sequences in the frequency domain.

Wireless communications has witnessed a tremendous growth during the past decade and further spectacular enabling technology advances are expected in an effort to render ubiquitous wireless connectivity a reality.

This series of courses will provide exposure to OFDM, MIMO-OFDM and MC-CDMA. Some working experience on signal processing, OFDM, CDMA, radio-frequency electronics, is assumed. In Part 1 of this series, we will introduce a number of rudimentary OFDM topics. View full abstract»

The aim of this tutorial is to give some insight into the technical details of the different technologies that exists for 3G wireless communication.

The tutorial begins with a short overview of the different technologies that exist for 3G wireless communication. This also includes an overview of the related specification and standardization activities technologies.

In the second, main part, of the tutorial, a more detailed description of the different 3G wireless technologies, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), cdma2000, and UTRA TDD, is given. The main focus is on the physical layer but some higher-layer aspects are also being discussed. Furthermore, the differences between the different 3G technologies are high-lighted.

The third part of the tutorial covers the evolution of the 3G wireless technologies. I this part, WCDMA HSDPA, WCDMA Enhanced uplink, and cdma2000 1xEV is covered. View full abstract»

Although more than half of the world population has a mobile phone, only a tiny fraction use browser-based mobile internet services. The rest, most of whom are in developing countries, aren't able to benefit from the huge potential of the Web. This presentation explains why and how the problem could be solved with current technology.

This Webinar was presented by Max Froumentin, Program Manager of the World Wide Web Foundation. Max joined the Web Foundation in June 2010. Prior to joining the Foundation, Max worked as Web technology specialist for Browser-maker Opera and video startup Joost. Previously, Max spent 6 years at the World Wide Web Consortium, leading activities such as Voice and Multimodal and managing Working Groups such as MathML, XSL and Device Independence. Before joining W3C, Max worked asa computer science research associate at the University of Bath, UK. He holds a Ph.D in Computer Science from the University of Lille, France. View full abstract»

The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is considered as the platform of choice for providing a unified session control on top of various access network technologies for realizing flexible multimedia applications. IMS, with its access-agnostic session layer, is also driving the concept of merging the fixed and mobile telecommunication networks with the Internet and the adoption of IP technologies within the telecom domain. IMS represents conceptually a combination of the traditional fixed and mobile networks from the telecom domain with emerging VoIP and Internet applications in order to implement a seamless multimedia service environment. This tutorial will address IMS vision, IMS concepts, procedures, protocols and services, fixed-mobile convergence, standardization activities, and early deployments of IMS networks. View full abstract»

This course expands on the concepts introduced in the first course, "A Software Design Methodology for Real-Time Embedded Systems," with emphasis on useful Design and Coding Guidelines. Upon completing this second course, you will have learned everything needed to implement the Design Method and Architecture in your current embedded system project. View full abstract»

The 802.11 market has seen spectacular growth over the past few years, and this growth is continuing at unprecedented rates. 802.11 technology has had a profound impact on the way consumers work, and on their leisure activities. Growing from cottage industry to a mainstream market across multiple segments, 802.11 products have become increasingly sophisticated; moving beyond traditional internet connectivity to include phones, cameras, gaming systems and even televisions.

As 802.11 technology has advanced and the industry has matured, the testing methodologies continue to advance as well. Early testing methodologies primarily focused on whether or not two products could exchange data and seamlessly interoperate. In response to both the wireless industry?s need to perform advanced product testing and consumer demand for high quality 802.11 devices, a new testing specification, IEEE 802.11.2, is being developed by the 802.11 Task Group T. 802.11.2 incorporates test methods and metrics for roaming, voice and video quality, power consumption, throughput performance and other important parameters.

These advances in test methodology are required to improve the quality of 802.11 solutions and enable reduction in design cycles. Voice applications, for example, have pushed the 802.11 industry to specify several new protocols including 802.11r fast roaming, 802.11e quality of Service (QoS) and power-save. New applications that carry both voice and video over 802.11 have stringent performance requirements that can only be guaranteed by thorough and methodical testing.

This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the performance requirements of the demanding voice and video applications. We will examine how these applications perform today and will look at the improvements offered by the emerging 802.11n standard. We will discuss performance, security and power conservation issues in the context of mesh network architecture being introduced by the emerging 802.11s specification.

Finally, we will examine the test methods and metrics currently in the 802.11.2 recommended practices document and will discuss performance verification methodology appropriate for a variety of networks and applications. View full abstract»

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a method of digital modulation in which a signal is split into several narrowband channels at different frequencies.

CDMA is a form of multiplexing, which allows numerous signals to occupy a single transmission channel, optimising the use of available bandwidth. Multiplexing is sending multiple signals or streams of information on a carrier at the same time in the form of a single, complex signal and then recovering the separate signals at the receiving end.

Multi-Carrier (MC) CDMA is a combined technique of Direct Sequence (DS) CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and OFDM techniques. It applies spreading sequences in the frequency domain.

Wireless communications has witnessed a tremendous growth during the past decade and further spectacular enabling technology advances are expected in an effort to render ubiquitous wireless connectivity a reality.

This series of courses will provide exposure to OFDM, MIMO-OFDM and MC-CDMA. Some working experience on signal processing, OFDM, CDMA, radio-frequency electronics, is assumed. Having considered the performance of perfectly synchronized OFDM systems, In Part 3 we will focus on the synchronization aspects. View full abstract»

In typical radio-frequency (RF) front-end circuits, the passive components outnumber the active devices. They occupy a major fraction of the total circuit area, and their low quality factor (Q) limits the circuit performance. Furthermore, these (intended) passive components can easily be perturbed by the interconnects feeding into them and coupled together by the (unintended) magnetic fields around those interconnects, or by (unintended) capacitive currents through the silicon substrate. One therefore needs to cope with both the optimization of the passive components, as far as Q and chip area consumption go, and the minimization of the crosstalk effects. This tutorial illustrates the design principles that lead to optimized integrated passive components on the basis of maximum Q and optimum RF isolation. Taking the well-established hybrid RF systems on printed circuit board (PCB) as a reference, the most commonly used passive components are discussed, and RF isolation techniques at chip and package level are explained. View full abstract»

A communication network where an information source communicates with a sink via topologically imposed distributed and potentially collaborating relaying nodes, is referred to as a Cooperative Communication Network. The aim of this tutorial is to expose an industrial and academic audience to the challenges related to the analysis and design of such recently emerged networks at PHY and MAC layers - with particular emphasis on application within cellular, ad hoc and sensor networks.

The tutorial is structured into several parts, i.e. application scenarios, historical background, hardware design issues, channel models, cooperative and distributed transceiver structures at PHY layer, as well as MAC and elements of cross-layer design. These topics prove vital in conveying the essentials relating to the design of these networks.

The learner is expected to be well equipped with the functioning and understanding of modern communication systems. Knowledge in channel modeling, STC design and MAC is advantageous but not vital. Since the presented topic is very new, we have endeavored to make the presentation self-consistent. Mainly material from 2006/2007 is included. View full abstract»

Optimization is the process of upgrading something to perform better. Engineers constantly look for improving their designs in multi parametric solution space. Imagine that you will be able to use nature's evolutionary processes to obtain the best parameters for your designs. This is the subject of this course which is divided into two parts.

This course is Part I and covers the applications of Genetic Algorithms (GA). The underlying fundamental concepts of Genetic Algorithms are presented and then some representative examples are provided. Useful references are listed to allow for a more in-depth understanding of this topic. View full abstract»