Future Perspective of RF and Analog/Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Technologies for Mobile Communications

Radio frequency (RF) and analog/mixed-signal (AMS) integrated circuits (ICs) are key enabling components for mobile and wireless communications and their advancements continue to drive the growth of the related semiconductor market. The circuit and technology requirements for RF and AMS ICs in mobile and wireless communications are quite different in comparison to that for digital logic and memory applications. Many tradeoffs and unique considerations have to be applied for RF and analog/mixed-signal technology development and circuit implementations. This paper reviews the critical circuit and technology requirements for RF and analog/mixed-signal ICs for mobile and wireless communications and highlights future challenges and opportunities