RF subsystems implemented in mainstream CMOS - Overcoming special concerns affecting performance and cost

Research is underway to explore the feasibility of implementing complete RF subsystems in standard mainstream CMOS processes without a need for any off-chip components. Progress to date has verified that RF circuits and on-chip antennas adequate for chip to chip communication can be realized, and it can be stated with some certainty that feasibility has been established. Radio architecture, signaling methodology, and individual circuit blocks have been devised and confirmed. It remains to demonstrate an on-chip reference with +/-150 ppm stability, optimize the individual circuit blocks, and demonstrate the overall concept in a single integrated chip