Mixed-signal characterization approaches for emerging wireless technologies

Radio technology advances at good pace into higher frequencies and higher integration. This is especially notorious for new mixed-signal devices which concentrate entire radio-frequency (RF) chains with high frequency data-converters sub-systems. D-parameters are an alternative framework for behavioural modelling of complete radio-oriented mixed-signal devices. This framework is based on the well-known scattering parameters theory, with the advantage of keeping the traditional microwave concepts that analog RF engineers usually need to consider. In this paper the linear D-parameters modelling approach will be discussed and some application examples will be presented.