OVERVIEW

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the design and analysis of radio-frequency (RF) circuits and systems, focusing on CMOS implementations. Key topics include RF behavior of passive components, noise and nonlinearity in amplifiers, and design of low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, oscillators, and phase-locked loops (PLLs). Students learn fundamental principles such as impedance matching, gain and bandwidth trade-offs, and RF system-level specifications (e.g., sensitivity, dynamic range). Emphasis is placed on practical circuit design techniques for modern wireless transceivers.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module covers the principles of radio frequency (RF) circuit and system design. Topics include an overview of RF communications systems, basic RF components, noise and noise figures, distortion, low-noise amplifiers and mixers, oscillators, frequency synthesizers, power amplifiers, and transceiver architectures. Aspects regarding implementation in CMOS technologies will also be addressed.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Analyze RF passive components and networks including matching and resonance.
• Quantify and minimize noise and nonlinearity in RF circuits.
• Design CMOS low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and mixers with specified performance.
• Develop and evaluate RF oscillators and phase-locked loops (PLLs).
• Apply impedance matching techniques.
• Understand system-level specifications like sensitivity and dynamic range.
• Integrate circuit-level insights into complete RF front-end architectures.
• Interpret modern RF IC designs and technologies.

PREREQUISITES

A student aiming to attend this course should have the following prerequisites:

1. Analog Electronics
   Solid understanding of MOSFET operation, biasing, small-signal models, and basic amplifier topologies (common-source, common-gate, etc.).
2. Electronic Circuit Design
   Experience with frequency response, feedback, stability, and design of multi-stage amplifiers.
3. Signals and Systems
   Knowledge of Fourier transforms, frequency-domain analysis, and basic linear time-invariant (LTI) system theory.
4. Electromagnetics
   Familiarity with wave propagation, transmission lines, impedance matching, and S-parameters (even at an introductory level).
5. Basic Communications
   Awareness of modulation, bandwidth, and noise concepts in communication systems.
6. Circuit Simulation Tools
   Some hands-on experience with SPICE or equivalent tools for circuit analysis and design validation.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal Lesson and Laboratory exercises (4 hours)

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the teacher and the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link University Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities or DSAs

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The main topics considered in the program are:

• Heterodyne, direct conversion and image frequency rejection transceiver architecture .

• Resonators and networks for impedance transformation

• Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA)

• Passive and active Mixers

• Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCO), phase noise mechanisms and various circuit topologies

• Phase Locked Loop (PLL)

• lnteger-N and fractional-N frequency synthesizers

• Power amplifier and linearization techniques

The theory of modulation and wireless standards from the perspective of the RF electronic circuit designer will also be briefly recalled.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• B. Razavi, RF Microelectronics  (2nd Edition) (Prentice Hall ,2012)
• T.H. Lee, The Design of CMOS Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuits, Second Edition, (Cambridge University Press ,2004)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

To acces to the lesson calendar, click on the following link:

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/11780/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Development and discussion of a project, or oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the oral examination, assessment of the candidate's preparation will be based on the skills acquired during the course, or possibly on the quality of the individual project.