Architecture and performance overview of a highly integrated 13×13 mm Single-Package Radio (SPR) module for dualband EGSM900/GSM1800 applications

The RF system architecture and the performance overview for a very highly-integrated Single Package Radio (SPR) module for dual-band EGSM900/GSM1800 applications is presented. The module realizes all the RF functions required for the dual-band GSM application. These functions as well as their implementations are described. The integrated LO generation consists of reference oscillator circuitry, a UHF oscillator, and delta-sigma fractional-N synthesizer. The receiver is based on a direct-conversion (zero-IF) architecture with the front-end selectivity performed by the two integrated SAW filters. The transmitter is comprised of an upconversion-loop transmit chain with two high-power transmit oscillators, a dual-band power amplifier, detector-based transmit power control, transmit/receive switch, duplex filter and all other necessary filters. Diverse die technologies are utilized to apply the optimum process for each function. The SPR module is implemented on a low cost 4-layer laminate substrate and overall dimensions are 13×13×1.8 mm. Measured results against GSM specifications are presented.