System Design RF

RF System Architecture and
Budget Analysis
Anurag Bhargava
Application Consultant
Agilent EEsof EDA
Agilent Technologies
Email: anurag_bhargava@agilent.com
You Tube: www.youtube.com/user/BhargavaAnurag
Blog: http://abhargava.wordpress.com
RF Architecture Design
During RF architecture design engineers determine how many,

what type, parameters, and the order of stages required to meet
system specifications
3 Coupler
IL=2 dB
or
1 2 CPL=20 dB
?
DIR=30 dB
Z0=50 ohm
Spectral Domain Techniques
Page 2
The Architecture is Critical
• Architecture is the system foundation

• Poor architecture causes poor performance
• Poor architecture causes more design turns
• Poor architecture causes increased cost
• Poor architecture causes increased time to market
Page 3
Traditional Method Limitations
• SPICE, linear, and harmonic balance simulators are designed

for components, not for complex system realization
• Programming spreadsheets is extremely difficult when image
noise, intermod filtering, mismatch effects and multiple paths
are considered
• Summary: traditional tools are ill-suited for analyzing RF
architectures
Page 4
What is Required for RF Architecture Analysis?
Spur identification and resolution

• Identifying root causes is critical in systems with hundreds of leakage,
harmonic and intermod tones.
Noise analysis that considers the channel bandwidth
In-channel and out-of-channel intermodulation analysis
Accuracy: mismatch, phase, images, measured vs. ideal
models, etc.
Page 5
Typical RF System
LNA Attenuator Mixer IF Filter IF Amp
Antenna
RX Filter Demodulator
Synthesizer or PLL Buffer Amp
Switch or Duplexer
TX Filter Buffer Amp
TX Power Amplifer Mixer IF Filter Modulator
Copyright © 2012 Agilent Technologies

6
Typical RF System
How do you determine what types of

stages to use, the order to place
them, and the parameters for each
block?

7
How would you respond to the following questions?
1. How do you currently determine what and where spurious and

intermod products are being generated in the RF portions of you
design?
2. How do you identify possible leakage paths in your design?
3. Does your current method of designing wideband systems include
the effects of frequency dependencies of complex load
impedance?
4. How do you access the impact of phase noise on noise figure?
5. How do you do budget analysis in the presence of modulated
signals?
6. How do you compute noise figure of a path while other paths are
actively connected to this path?

8
Why was Spectrasys Developed?
• RF Architecture (or Systems design) are the titles used during
the design stage where engineers determine what types of
stages (filters, amplifiers, mixers, etc), the ordering of these
stages in the design, and their parameters.
• Cascaded equations are used during this phase.
G1 G2 G3
nf1 nf2 nf3
OP1dB1 OP1dB2 OP1dB3
OIP31 OIP32 OIP33
𝐺 = 𝐺1 × 𝐺2 × 𝐺3
𝑛𝑓2 − 1 𝑛𝑓3 − 1
𝑛𝑓𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑛𝑓1 + +
𝐺1 𝐺1 × 𝐺2
1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑂𝐼𝑃3𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑂𝐼𝑃31 × 𝐺2 × 𝐺3 𝑂𝐼𝑃32 × 𝐺3 𝑂𝐼𝑃33
1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑂𝑃1𝑑𝐵𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑂𝑃1𝑑𝐵1 × 𝐺2 × 𝐺3 𝑂𝑃1𝑑𝐵2 × 𝐺3 𝑂𝑃1𝑑𝐵3

9
Why was Spectrasys Developed?: Continued
How do you use

cascaded equations on
this?

10
Why was Spectrasys Developed?: Continued
It would be nice if every

design was two port AND just
contained behavioral models.
But its not!

11
SPARCA
These needs led to the development of the SPARCA method,

an acronym for Signal Propagation And Root Cause Analysis.
• New method developed in 2002

• Based in the frequency domain
• Bilateral signal flow of all paths
• Magnitude and phase modeling (vector)
• Channel concepts integrated into the method
Page 12
How SPARCA Works
Signal generation and propagation:

• All signal sources and noise sources propagate through all paths to all nodes
• Harmonic and intermod products are generated by non-linear models and
propagate to all nodes
Measurements:
• Power and noise are each is integrated across the channel bandwidth
• In-channel and adjacent channel measurements are calculated from the spectrums
at each node
Imperfections modeled:
• Devices are bilateral
• The true filtered and non-flat transfer function including phase is modeled
• Mismatch, reflections, and reverse propagation are accurately modeled
Page 13
SPARCA Method
SPARCA does not replace other analysis methods (except

perhaps spreadsheets), it complements them. It is optimized for
RF architecture design.
Advantages • Identifies root causes

• Handles multiple paths
• More accurate than ideal model and scalar
methods
• Handles more signals & tones than other methods
• Handles channel concepts
• Integrates well with other software and lab tools
Page 14
Example: Aviation Band Downconverter
RF BPF
FLO=105 MHz IFAMP1 IFAMP2
FHI=139 MHz G=9 dB G=20 dB
N=4 RF Mixer NF=3 dB NF=3 dB Detector
CL=8 dB CL=8 dB BASEBAND:
R=0.1 dB OP1DB=25 dBm OP1DB=30 dBm
LO=7 dBm LO=23 dBm 0.95 to 1.45 MHz
1 5 6 16 9 10 17 7 4
(1) R I R I (4)
L L
13 3
RF: 108 to 136 MHz RFAMP BASEBAND AMP
IF BPF
G=?9 dB G=46 dB
LO ATTN FLO=21.45 MHz (3)
NF=2 dB NF=6 dB
L=6 dB FHI=22.45 MHz
OP1DB=15 dBm BFO: 20.75 MHz OP1DB=36 dBm
IL=2 dB
2
(2) LO: 86.3 to 114.3 MHz
The analyzer uses a tunable 1st LO to convert 500 KHz segments

of the aviation band to 0.95 to 1.45 MHz for baseband processing.
Page 15
Simple Cascade Noise Figure
In this equation block, noise figure cascade

formula have been entered much like could
be programmed into a spreadsheet. This is
being done to illustrate the errors introduced
by spreadsheet system analysis.
Page 16
Results of the Cascade Calculation
RF BPF
FLO=105 MHz IFAMP1 IFAMP2
FHI=139 MHz G=9 dB G=20 dB
N=4 RF Mixer NF=3 dB NF=3 dB Detector
CL=8 dB CL=8 dB BASEBAND:
R=0.1 dB OP1DB=25 dBm OP1DB=30 dBm
LO=7 dBm LO=23 dBm 0.95 to 1.45 MHz
1 5 6 16 9 10 17 7 4
(1) R I R I (4)
L L
13 3
RF: 108 to 136 MHz RFAMP BASEBAND AMP
IF BPF
G=?9 dB G=46 dB
LO ATTN FLO=21.45 MHz (3)
NF=2 dB NF=6 dB
L=6 dB FHI=22.45 MHz
OP1DB=15 dBm BFO: 20.75 MHz OP1DB=36 dBm
IL=2 dB
2
(2) LO: 86.3 to 114.3 MHz
Here the block diagram of the downconverter

is repeated along with the resulting cascade
noise figure after each stage in the
downconverter. The resulting noise figure at
the baseband output is 5.28 dB.
Page 17
Results by Spectral Propagation
Shown at the left is a level diagram in SPECTRASYS. This

level diagram depicts the cascade noise figure in red, the
stage noise figure in blue and the percentage noise figure in
green. Numeric cascade noise figure data after each stage is
also given in the final column in the table at the lower right.
Notice that the noise figure after the final amplifier computed
using SPARCA is 7.83 dB, rather than the 5.28 dB computed
using classical cascade NF equations. The popular and
classical formula is in error by 2.55 dB!
Page 18
Source of Noise Figure Error
What is the source of this error?
• Mixer noise figure assumes noise only exists in the desired signal channel. In reality, noise exists in
both the desired and image channel. Therefore, the true noise figure of a mixer is 3.01 dB higher than
the specified noise figure.
Why not just specify the mixer noise figure 3 dB higher than is normally done?
• Because in a system with gain and an image filter preceding the mixer, the effective noise figure of the
mixer approaches the specified value. In that case, using the higher noise figure would give the wrong
result.
The fact of the matter is, accurate assessment of system noise figure requires noise propagation analysis.
If the position of the input filter and the preamp are changed and the loss of the input filter was set to
zero. Simple cascade analysis would predict the same noise figure for both systems. In reality, the
difference with a 30 dB preamp with 8 dB noise figure is 2.7 dB. Approaching 3 dB. But look what
happens when the noise figure of the preamp is reduced to 2 dB. The difference is then 1.4 dB. Again,
accurate noise analysis requires noise propagation techniques.
In a similar way, spreadsheet analysis of intermodulation and dynamic range are also
flawed.
Page 19
Measurements
Different applications require different forms of output data. In

the next few slides, brief definitions and examples of
SPECTRASYS output data are provided.
There are over 85 built-in measurements.
Page 20
Measurements: Gain & Signals in the Channel
Cascaded Gain
Cascaded Gain (All Signals)
Channel Frequency
Channel Power
Channel Power (Desired)
Gain
Gain (All Signals)
Total Node Power
Page 21
Example: Gain & Signal Level Diagram
Gain & Signal

50 130
DB[GAIN]
40 DB[CGAIN] 100
CF (MHz), DBM[CP], DBM[DCP]

CF (MHz)
DB[GAIN], DB[CGAIN]
DBM[CP]
30 70
DBM[DCP]
20 40
10 10
0 -20
-10 -50
1 5 6 R
L
I 16 9 10 17 R
L
I 7 8 4
Node
Page 22
Measurements: Noise
Added Noise
Carrier to Noise Ratio
Cascaded NF
Channel Noise Power
Image Channel Noise Power
Image Noise Rejection Ratio
Minimum Detectable Signal
Percent Noise Figure
Stage NF
Page 23
Example: Noise
Page 24
Short Video
Removed due to size of

the Video……
Intermodulation
Cascaded intermod equations are NOT used by SPECTRASYS. Just as with

noise, cascade intermod equations are flawed because they:
• Assume interfering signals are not filtered and maintain the same gain as the
desired signal through all cascaded stages
• Assume all stages are perfectly matched
• Assume two equal tones
• Assume infinite reverse isolation
Signal propagation generates intermod signals as they appear in real

systems. Signals are not limited to two tones. All intermods are propagated
through the system using the system transfer function. Consequently,
intermod measurements are accurate for filtered and non-ideal systems.
Page 26
Measurements: Intermodulation & Compression
Cascaded Gain (3rd IM) Stage Output 2nd IM

Channel Frequency (Tone) Stage Output 3rd IM
Channel Power (Desired 3rd IM) Stage Output Saturation Power
Channel Power (Tone) 3rd Order Intercept (Input)
Gain (3rd IM) 3rd Order Intercept (Output)
Gain (All Signals) 3rd IM Power (Propagated)
Percent 3rd IM 3rd IM Power (Generated)
Stage Output 1 dB Compression 3rd IM Power (Total)
Page 27 Spectral Domain Techniques

Example: Intermodulation & Compression
Intermodulation & Compression

30 200
24 160
18 120
DBM[GIM3P], DB[SDR]
12 80
DBM[IIP3], PRIM3
6 40
0 0
-6 DBM[IIP3] -40
DBM[GIM3P]
-12 DB[SDR] -80
PRIM3
-18 -120
-24 -160
-30 -200
1 5 6 R
L
I 16 9 10 17 R
L
I 7 8 4
Node
Page 28
Measurements: Dynamic Range
Spurious Free Dynamic Range

Stage Dynamic Range
Page 29
Example: Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range
120 -120
90 -126
DB[SFDR], DBM[IIP3]
DB[SFDR]
60 DBM[IIP3] -132
DBM[MDS]
DBM[MDS]
30 -138
0 -144
-30 -150
1 5 6 R
L
I 16 9 10 17 R
L
I 7 8 4
Node
Page 30
Measurements: Out of Channel
Adjacent Channel Power

Adjacent Channel Frequency
Channel Frequency (Offset)
Channel Power (Offset)
Image Frequency
Image Channel Noise Power
Image Noise Rejection Ratio
Mixer Image Channel Power
Mixer Image Rejection Ratio
Page 31
Phase & Complex Models
The SPECTRASYS SPARCA simulator propagates signals using complex
multi-port transfer functions for the system.
• Phase data is retained and utilized
• Circuit models and schematics may be mixed with system models in the schematic
• The effects of mismatch are simulated
• Bilateral signal flow is simulated
COUPLER1_1 COUPLER1_2 COUPLER1_3
IL=1 dB RF_PHASE_1 IL=0.5 dB RF_DELAY_2 IL=0.5 dB
CPL=10 dB A=?10° CPL=24 dB T=0.53 ns CPL=10 dB
[DIR=30 dB] [Z0=50 Ω] [DIR=30 dB] [Z0=50 Ω] DIR=30 dB
1 4 5 11 6 8 8 10 10 2
(1) (2)
15 7 3
ATTN_VAR_1 RFAMP_1 RF_PHASE_2
IL=1 dB G=17 dB A=?10°
L=?0.25 dB NF=8 dB [Z0=50 Ω]
OPSAT=50 dBm 7
9 13 12 3
15 14 14
SPLIT2_1 ATTN_VAR_2 RFAMP_2

[IL=3.1 dB] IL=1 dB G=38 dB
RF_DELAY_1
ISO=100 dB L=?0.5 dB NF=8 dB
T=0.27 ns
PH3=0° OPSAT=43 dBm
[Z0=50 Ω]
Page 32
X-Parameter Models are Supported
Page 33
The Link to ADS
Schematics can be exported to ADS for further simulation.
Page 34
Digital / DSP & RF System Cosimulation
Modulation and Spectrasys (SystemVue)
The RF Link part is used in a

data flow schematic to point
to a Spectrasys schematic.

36
How RF Impairments affect Modulation Quality
Tunable Impairment List:

Gain Imbalance
Phase Imbalance
LO to RF Isolation
Noise Figure
Phase Noise
ADC (# of bits, clock, ref voltage)

37
Gain Imbalance effects on Constellation
Blue – Balanced Gain (Square)

Red – Imbalanced Gain

38
Phase Imbalance effects on Constellation
Blue – Balanced Phase (Square)

Red – Imbalanced Phase

39
LO to RF Isolation (DC Offset) effects on
Constellation
Blue – High Isolation (Square)

Red – Lower Isolation
The LO leaks into the RF and

appears as another RF input
signal

40
LO to RF Isolation (DC Offset) effects on
Constellation
Blue – High Isolation (Square)

Red – Lower Isolation
The RF can also leak into the

LO and this is used as another
LO signal

41
Noise effects on Constellation
Blue – No Noise (Square)

Red – Thermal and Phase Noise

42
Modulation Analysis Software (works with
Hardware)

43
Summary
A new system simulation technique referred to as Spectral

Propagation and Root Cause Analysis (SPARCA) offers a new
set of tools for the optimization of system architectures
• Improved accuracy over conventional cascade analysis
• Rapid root cause discovery using spectral component display at any node
• Wide set of built-in as well as user specified measurements
• Complex, bilateral and mismatch analysis
• Integration of other spectral domain simulation and synthesis tools
SPARCA is optimized for system architecture development and

saves multiple architecture and component design turns.
Page 44
Looking Ahead..!!
Kindly send your requests on what we can cover in our future webinars to:
India:
Mukul Pareek
Marketing Engineer
Agilent Technologies India Pvt. Ltd
Email: mukul_pareek@agilent.com
Elsewhere:
Please contact your local Agilent representative.

Resources to help you..….
• Subscribe to the Blog: http://abhargava.wordpress.com to receive latest news, tips &

tricks on RF design and industry news..
• Subscribe to the You Tube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/BhargavaAnurag to
see various tutorial videos and learn the concepts better
• Agilent EEsof Home Page: www.eesof.com
• For software evaluation license or for any other queries:
– E-mail: tm_india@agilent.com
– Toll Free Number: 1800-11-2929
Q&A

System Design RF

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

System Design RF

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

RF System Architecture and

During RF architecture design engineers determine how many,

Spectral Domain Techniques

• Architecture is the system foundation

Spectral Domain Techniques

• SPICE, linear, and harmonic balance simulators are designed

Spectral Domain Techniques

Spur identification and resolution

Spectral Domain Techniques

LNA Attenuator Mixer IF Filter IF Amp

Synthesizer or PLL Buffer Amp

TX Filter Buffer Amp

TX Power Amplifer Mixer IF Filter Modulator

Copyright © 2012 Agilent Technologies

How do you determine what types of

Copyright © 2012 Agilent Technologies

1. How do you currently determine what and where spurious and

Copyright © 2012 Agilent Technologies

Copyright © 2012 Agilent Technologies

How do you use

Copyright © 2012 Agilent Technologies

It would be nice if every

Copyright © 2012 Agilent Technologies

These needs led to the development of the SPARCA method,

• New method developed in 2002

Spectral Domain Techniques

Signal generation and propagation:

Spectral Domain Techniques

SPARCA does not replace other analysis methods (except

Advantages • Identifies root causes

Spectral Domain Techniques

The analyzer uses a tunable 1st LO to convert 500 KHz segments

Spectral Domain Techniques

In this equation block, noise figure cascade

Spectral Domain Techniques

Here the block diagram of the downconverter

Spectral Domain Techniques

Shown at the left is a level diagram in SPECTRASYS. This

Spectral Domain Techniques

Different applications require different forms of output data. In

There are over 85 built-in measurements.

Spectral Domain Techniques

Spectral Domain Techniques

Gain & Signal

CF (MHz), DBM[CP], DBM[DCP]

Spectral Domain Techniques

Spectral Domain Techniques

Spectral Domain Techniques

Removed due to size of

Cascaded intermod equations are NOT used by SPECTRASYS. Just as with

Signal propagation generates intermod signals as they appear in real

Spectral Domain Techniques

Cascaded Gain (3rd IM) Stage Output 2nd IM

Page 27 Spectral Domain Techniques

Intermodulation & Compression

Spectral Domain Techniques

Spurious Free Dynamic Range

Spectral Domain Techniques

Spectral Domain Techniques

Adjacent Channel Power

Spectral Domain Techniques

SPLIT2_1 ATTN_VAR_2 RFAMP_2

Spectral Domain Techniques