A 3-stage RF down-converter network for portable, wearable 5G applications

Abstract

The emerging 5G internet-of-things applications in home automation, smart wearables, healthcare monitoring, automotive sensors require low-cost, area efficient, high-performance and low power radio frequency blocks for effective short-range communication. This growing market demand is addressed in this paper by proposing a fully CMOS RF down-converter (RFDC) network for 5G applications. This work aims to achieve high linearity, low noise figure and high gain simultaneously by optimally splitting the performance between the three stages of the RFDC. The proposed downconversion system is designed in UMC 180 nm CMOS process technology and the post-layout simulations on layout extracted parameters with Cadence SpectreRF shows an IIP3 of − 3.43 dBm, an IIP2 of 78.13 dBm, double-sideband noise figure of 12.76 dB, a conversion gain of 23.69 dB, the spurious-free dynamic range of 71.7 dB, and the phase noise of − 91.39 dBc/Hz at an offset of 5 MHz. The proposed frequency translation circuit occupies a core area of only 0.0043 mm 2 and consumes a low power of 12.6 mW from a 1.8 V supply.

5G and its impact on environment, biodiversity and human health: An overview

“…Radio Frequency (RF) is widely known as a powerindependent technology for the Internet of Things (IoT) system [17] . The RF down converter is necessary to boost the wireless system's dynamic range, while the mixer stage is also a bonus for the entire Wi-Fi network to make a significant contribution to the total gain [18] . The Radiofrequency micro electro mechanical systems (RF MEMS) technology is emerging as a critical approach for meeting the challenging specifications of passive devices and networks of the next fifth (5G) generation technologies, including elevated operating frequencies, large tuning capability, decreased hardware reliability and low power consumption [19] .…”