Compensation system for RF system-on-chip

Abstract

This paper presents a novel programmable compensation system (PCS) for a radio frequency (RF) System-on-Chip (SoC). The PCS is integrated with 0.18-μm BiCMOS SiGe process. It consists of RF Built-In Self-Test (BIST) circuit, Resistor Array Bank (RAB) and digital signal processor (DSP). To verify performance of the PCS we built a 5-GHz low noise amplifier (LNA) with an on-chip RAB using the same technology. Proposed system helps it to provide DC output voltages, hence, making the RF system chain automatic. The PCS also compensates abnormal operation due to the unusual PVT (Process, Voltage and Thermal) variations in RF circuits. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.