EMI functional vulnerability identification in RF Front-Ends

The electromagnetic susceptibility of Radio-Frequency (RF) Front-Ends is studied. A RF receiver has nonlinear properties induced by its first stages (Switch, Low-Noise Amplifier and Power Amplifier). Two tones are injected in the RF system, with interference signal power ranging from low to high level. It creates inband intermodulation products (IM), which are partly reflected at the input and become available at the antenna port. We use this signal to identify the most vulnerable nonlinear function in the Front-End. A simulation based on Harmonic Balance is used and will allow design guidelines to improve its robustness.