Benefits of total integration for large RF circuits, market requirements in terms of cost and current and commercial standards vs. optimum solutions

This paper details the implementation of a complete radio system for both 2.4 GHz and 868/915/433 MHz in a 0.18 micron standard CMOS process. Topics explored include a brief market requirement analysis of standards such as Bluetooth and Zigbee vs. optimally designed devices. Such devices are typically employed in ultra-low cost ( < $1), low-power designs and the governing factors and influences of this shall be discussed. The basic architecture of the Nordic Semiconductor nRF2401 and nRF905 and the ability to implement additional digital functionality of a radio system in the CMOS process is presented. Key system functionality and performance is covered.