The future need of a wide analog bandwidth in wireless applications has pushed the recent research from the traditional RF frequency range up to millimeter-waves, in particular after the release of an unlicensed bandwidth of 7GHz around 60GHz. This frequency range has been fruitfully covered in the past by Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs), based on III-V semiconductor technologies, such as GaAs and InP, which have superior performance compared to silicon CMOS due to their higher electron mobility, higher breakdown voltage, and to the availability of high quality-factor passives. However, a CMOS implementation promises higher levels of integration and reduced cost.

This project is presently carried out in the framework of the European Project ENIAC - Mirandela, and is addressing the CMOS millimeter-wave design by studying, researching, implementing and finally demonstrating new innovative solutions, aiming at demonstrating a full transceiver in 32nm CMOS technology. The activities include:

• System level analysis
• Design of RF analog front-end (Low Noise Amplifier, down-conversion mixers, Voltage Controlled Oscillators, PLL-based frequency synthesizers)
• Design of RF analog base-band (Variable Gain Amplifier, Low Pass Filter, Analog to Digital Converter)
• Measurement and characterization of prototypes

The potential applications are Gigabit/s point-to-point links, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), short-range high data-rate Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs), vehicular radar.

This project is lead with a direct link to ST Strategic Planning Organization in the Computer & Communication Infrastructure Product Group.

This activity is pursued by the Advanced Programs team.
For further details you can contact Prof. F.Svelto or ST team leader E.Temporiti.