Integrated circuits for next generation wireless system

Digital cellular systems such as the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) have experienced a tremendous acceptance in the population, and the power of this technology has changed the way of life in human society. This paper gives an overview of the presently existing digital cellular standards and their convergence towards the Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS), and their impact on semiconductor technology. The system requirements and their influences on highly integrated digital base band processors and RF transceivers are discussed. Also the various trends of progresses in technology and integration will be shown explaining the advantages of the concepts pursued.