Modeling and simulation of noise in analog/mixed-signal communication systems

Noise in analog and mixed-signal electronic systems is an undesired but unavoidable excitation on the circuit. Its analysis and modeling is relatively straightforward in linear analog circuits, such as amplifiers. For such circuits, the SPICE AC noise analysis is, most of the time, adequate for noise performance characterization. However, for communication circuits, where nonlinearities and frequency translation are inherent, SPICE AC noise analysis is not adequate. Recently, there has been a great deal of activity, both in the design and CAD communities, to develop noise analysis techniques and tools to treat problems with nonlinear and frequency translation effects. In this tutorial, we first present the basic concepts and fundamental techniques used in noise analysis and modeling both for linear and nonlinear circuits. Then, we concentrate on some specific noise modeling and analysis problems in mixed-signal communication system design, e.g., mixers, phase noise and timing jitter, digital switching interference, etc