Applications of CMOS active inductors in RF integrated devices: topologies and technical analysis

Abstract

The growing demand for communications systems (voice, data, applications in Smart Grids, remote system, etc.), associated with the exponential growth of microelectronics, are the key factors to the study, development, and design of new devices. This has motivated research and work in universities and industry in the search for reduction in costs, power consumption, size and also good performance. In this context, this work aims the application of CMOS active inductors in RF integrated devices for wireless communication systems. These systems demand for integrated passive inductors, that generally have low inductance, low quality factor (Q), and relatively large sizes, being limiting factors in the design of integrated circuits. Alternatively, the integrated active inductors have been proposed, with the use of circuits that emulate the effect of conventional passive inductor. These circuits have smaller dimensions, the possibility for adjusting the inductance value, operating frequency, quality factor with the disadvantage of power consumption and a relative increase in total system noise. Different topologies will be studied, designed and analyzed by simulation using Agilent ADS (Advanced Design System) tool to verify the actual feasibility of its use in wireless systems. The models of the components for the project will be based on AutriaMicroSystems CMOS library for high frequency. Moreover, it is expected to build prototypes for testing and validation of the project. (AU)