The aim of the course is to present an overview of RF and microwave circuit nonlinear components, with particular attention to power amplifiers and mixers. CAD tools already exploited for the simulation of linear circuits will be used in the nonlinear simulation and design of such components, ending with a final project.
- Review of the RF and microwave analog interface in communication systems: overview and impact on device and technology choices. Examples of RF transceivers. - Review of RF transistor models: large-signal - RF power amplifiers: traditional (class A, B, C) and avanced (F, E); the concepts of harmonic loading and switching amplifier design. Performances of power amplifiers as nonlinear blocks: distortion, compression, intermodulation - RF mixers: passive mixers, active mixers - CAD analysis of case studies: power amplifiers, mixers - CAD project