RF Systems
3 GHz dual modulus prescaler for frequency synthesis using a stacked architecture in SO1 CMOS
Analogue and RF Technology and Design
Radio Frequency and mixed-signal circuits, both in state-of-the-art mainstream IC technologies with Silicon on Insulator (SOI) and CMOS technology is now central to almost every application. Connectivity, through analogue and RF signal channels remains vital and faces ever tougher challenges in specifications and technology used.
RF and analogue design requires a detailed understanding of the behaviour of individual transistors, with research covering not only circuit design and evaluation, but also device characterisation and modelling for circuit simulation.
There is close collaboration with Phillips Semiconductors, with whom many projects in mainstream design and device modelling have been conducted.
Projects have included RF prescalers, A/D conversion, digital audio, HV device modelling and analogue filtering. Research in SOI technology has benefited from looking at the devices as well as circuits, and extensive characterisation studies have been a foundation of the 'STAG' SOI CMOS CAD simulation written in the group, allowing the exploitation of technology characteristics in radical new circuits for RF prescalers and A/D converters.