RF Digital-to-analog Converters (NXP)

A MIMO automotive radar application implements an array of transceivers on the same IC. For example, a MIMO radar transmits pre-defined waveforms through N TX antennas, which then received back through N (or M) receiver antennas. This configuration requires N x RF DACs and N (or M) high-frequency ADCs. This thesis focuses on area and power efficient implementation of an RF DAC which can generate the pre-defined waveforms for radar application.

In this master thesis project you will do/learn:

• In depth study of ADC (or DAC) architecture
• Design of analog and mixed-signal circuits in 28nm CMOS
• Circuit simulations with Spectre (or other simulator)
• Layout design of circuits and simulation of extracted layout
• Build understanding of impact of process imperfections and parasitic artifacts on performance

A stipend is provided.

Assignment

Overview of the project planning (depending on the progress of the student)

• Literature review of high-speed RF DACs targeting waveform generation for radar.
• System level study of the proposed architecture in Matlab/Cadence.
• Circuit and layout implementation.
• Tape-out of the IC followed by measurement.
• Process node: 28nm HPCP.
• Target tape-out date: June 2025

Requirements

• Good knowledge of analog and mixed circuit design.
• Good understanding of Data Converters.
• Familiarity with Matlab and Cadence.
• You will be collaborating with researchers from NXP Semiconductors so good communication and presentation skills are essential.

Contact

Last modified: 2024-02-07