Analog, Mixed-Signal, and RF Integrated Circuit Design Techniques for 5G and Emerging 6G Communication Systems

Abstract

Things have changed with the development of specific wireless communication systems
using fifth-generation (5G) networks towards emerging sixth-generation (6G) paradigms,
which place severe demands on the analogue, mixed-signal and radio-frequency (RF)
integrated circuits design. The high bandwidths of millimetre-wave and sub-terahertz
operation, the large multiple-input multiple-output architecture, the vigorous energy
saving goals are more problematic of traditional VLSI design methodology. Although,
there has been substantial advancements in the development of the RF and mixed
signal building blocks at the individual level, the circuit level answer to the system
requirements, trade-offs and challenges is not well represented. The paper includes a
general overview of 5G and the 6G communication system analogue, mixed-signal, and
RF integrated circuit design methods. The main aspects of the system level requirements
and architecture are discussed and further RF front-end elements comprising of low
noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, frequency synthesisers, and mixers are reviewed
in detail. Major design issues of mixed-signal designs in high-speed data converters
are examined with an accent on power resolution tradeoffs bandwidth. Trends in
comparative performance of frequency bands and technology nodes are presented and
reviewed, and challenges connected to sub-terahertz operation, wider at-once band
integration, dependability, and computer-aided design automation are considered. In
this review, the design point of view is combined, and directions of future research are
mentioned in scalable and energy-efficient 6G-ready integrated circuits.