HDL based simulation of digital RF: frequency synthesizers

This paper proposes modelling and simulation requirements for mixed-signal RF transceivers enabling a straight forward top-down design process. A fully digital RF frequency synthesizer for GSM is presented. The modelling, simulation and evaluation process would be illustrated. The paper presents the limits of current development tools and gives requests for future enhanced modelling and simulation tools for the RF design industry. The rms phase error of the investigated architecture has been measured to be below 1.4/spl deg/ and the spectral margin can be maintained to be more than 8 dB.