Ranieri Guerra

Optical Interconnects for Network on Chip

This paper resumes some state-of-the-art results of research in view of the realization of optical interconnects as physical link for network on chip (NoC). Emphasis is given in particular to amorphous silicon technology for its actual technological compatibility with CMOS microchips

A 400-MHz CMOS radio front-end for ultra low-power medical implantable applications

A 400-MHz ultra low-power radio front-end for medical implantable applications has been implemented in a 0.13-µm CMOS technology. The circuit consists of an up-converter, a down-converter, and a LO frequency synthesizer. The up-converter employs a push-pull PA, which achieves a saturated output power of 0 dBm with a maximum power added efficiency of 32%. Moreover, the up-converter exhibits a −30-dBc ACPR at an output power of −0.5 dBm with a 200 kbit/s GFSK input signal. The down-converter provides excellent linearity performance exhibiting an output compression point of 1.13 Vpp, an IIP3 of −23 dBm, and an IIP2 of 8.7 dBm despite a current consumption as low as 1.5 mA. It has a 45-dB conversion gain and a 7.4-dB noise figure. The LO frequency synthesizer features a fully-integrated LC VCO and programmable channel steps. It provides a phase noise better than −96 dBc/Hz at 100-kHz offset and a spur rejection of −52 dBc. Operating from a 1.2-V supply, the overall front-end draws 3 mA in receive mode and 4.5 mA in transmit mode.

An RF-powered FSK/ASK receiver for remotely controlled systems

A fully integrated RF-powered receiver for remotely controlled systems is presented. The receiver adopts ASK and FSK modulations and is capable of operating in the ISM bands of 433 MHz, 869 MHz, and 915 MHz, while achieving a bit rate down to 62 kb/s. The circuit includes an RF harvester and a power management unit for the RF to DC power conversion and control, respectively, and an OTP memory with a digital interface for the operating configuration. Measurements show a harvester sensitivity of -18.8 dBm and accurate ASK demodulation with a modulation index as low as 10%. The current consumption is 87 μA and 720 μA for the ASK and FSK receiving mode, respectively. The circuit was fabricated in a 0.13-μm CMOS technology and occupies a core area of 2.2 mm2.