Techniques for realizing reconfigurable RF building blocks for cognitive radio

Cognitive radio has emerged as an effective method for relieving the current problem of spectral crowding. One primary challenge in the field of cognitive radio design is the realization of highly frequency agile RF building blocks. This paper presents a new technique for realizing a multi-band low noise amplifier, reviews methods for realizing wide-band power amplifiers, and a new method for extending the tuning range of the voltage controlled oscillator. In addition, this paper presents a nonlinear analysis of concurrent multi-band mixers which will aid in future cognitive radio frequency planning.