The Book End
RF Microelectronics
Behzad Razavi
Prentice Hall
335 pages; $70
This book deals with the analysis and design of RFICs and systems with a specific focus on RF electronics, leading into the design of RF transceivers and circuits. The text emphasizes architecture and circuit-level issues with respect to monolithic implementation in very large- scale integration technologies. Particular attention
is focused on bipolar and CMOS design. A basic understanding of analog IC design and the theory of signals and systems is required.
After a brief introduction to RF and wireless technology in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 describes the basic concepts of RF design, emphasizing the effects of nonlinearity and noise. Chapter 3 describes both analog and digital modulation and detection, and discusses power efficiency in the various modulation schemes. Chapter 4 deals with multiple-access techniques and wireless standards for cellular systems. A brief explanation of the various cellular operating systems is presented as well as their effect on the design of RFICs.
Chapter 5 presents transceiver architectures, detailing various transmitter and receiver topologies and discussing their relative merits and drawbacks. Several case studies are presented that exemplify the approaches taken in actual products.
The many building blocks that compose these systems are described in Chapters 6 through 9, including low noise amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, frequency synthesizers and power amplifiers. The level of integration is described with regard to off-chip component requirements. These chapters demonstrate how the system requirements define the circuit parameters and show how the performance of each circuit impacts that of the overall transceiver.
This book is designed specifically as a textbook for graduate-level study. However, the wealth of well-organized practical information can also be used by the practicing design engineer. The author spares the reader from laborious theoretical derivations and instead presents the material in a simple and straightforward manner that is easily absorbed. The book has significant value as a reference text for young engineers and technicians.
To order this book, contact:
Prentice Hall,
PO Box 11073,
Des Moines, IA 50336
(800) 947-7700.
Microwaves and Wireless Simplified
Thomas S. Laverghetta
Artech House Inc.
222 pages; $48, £38
Microwave technology and wireless applications are described in this book in true layman’s terms that can be understood by anyone with little technical background but a desire to learn. The target of this tutorial is to teach nontechnical individuals a very technical subject.
The book begins by defining many of the terms that will be encountered throughout the text using clear, simple explanations for such modern techniques as time, frequency and code-division multiple access. Chapter 2 describes microwave applications, drawing its first example from the ubiquitous microwave oven. Various microwave applications are described such as radar and telephone and telecommunications systems. Chapter 3 explains the function and characteristics of RF and microwave transmission lines, describing coaxial lines, striplines, microstrip and coplanar waveguide. The various forms of transmission lines are described using their four parameters: inductance, resistance, capacitance and conductance. Chapter 4 describes microwave components, including directional couplers, quadrature hybrids, power dividers, detectors, mixers, attenuators, filters, circulators and isolators, and antennas. In each case, the component’s construction, performance and function in the circuit or system are covered.
Chapter 5 deals with solid-state devices, including various diodes and transistors, explaining how these components have evolved and how they operate. Chapter 6 discusses how microwave materials have progressed over the last 10 to 15 years. A detailed explanation of terms and properties is presented as well as the requirements for various applications.
This book is recommended for individuals who seek a cursory knowledge of microwave technology and wireless applications but lack technical expertise or training. It is written to provide the layman with a simple and effective means to understand this highly technical field. The explanations and examples are easy to grasp and skillfully described.
To order this book, contact:
Artech House Inc.,
685 Canton St.,
Norwood, MA 02062
(781) 769-9750, ext. 4002; or
Portland House,
Stag Place, London SW1E 5XA, UK
+44 (0) 171 973 8077.