5PMEPWS8 : Wifi Project : system analysis & hybrid circuit design - WPMWDPW9

Goal(s)

This project aims at investigating the impact of RF components/technologies used in a WiFi transmitter/receiver on system performances.

In this project, the main critical parameters of RF front-end components will be identified and evaluated through system simulations. These critical specifications will serve as reference for the circuit design considering two technologies: integrated RF circuits and hybrid microstrip technology. From this study, the main advantages and limitations for both technologies will be also illustrated and discussed.

Extracted parameters from circuit simulations will be used in system simulations to evaluate the global performance of the RF-front end.

Finally, a WiFi transmitter/receiver prototype will be designed from RF circuit simulations with hybrid microstrip technology. This prototype will be tested and experimental results will be compared to simulation results.

Content(s)

Project schedule can be divided into 4 main tasks:

I. System modeling and understanding of the main critical components parameters to evaluate the final system performance, using Advanced Design System (Agilent).

II. Design of the RF components/subsystems using hybrid circuit conception simulator and integrated RF circuit simulator.

III. Final system simulations including components specifications from the circuit conception.

IV. Prototyping with hybrid technology, RF front end tests with a real WiFi transmission.

This work is performed with common tools used in industry for circuit/system conception. The ‘Digital Signal Processing (DSP)’ sub-part of ADS software is able to integrate circuit designs realized with ADS ‘Analog RF circuit’ sub-part or behavioral models which parameters are defined from Cadence or other circuit conception tools. This method for system conception (i.e integrating circuit simulation results into system simulations) is an efficient, cost effective and time saving approach, avoiding numerous prototypes and related tests.

For the system modeling part: good knwoledge of digital modulations is required.
For the integrated circuit design: knowledge of CADENCE design tool is required
For the hybrid circuit design: basic knowledge of Advanced Design System is required