RFIC design covers the development of integrated
wireless communication and signal processing devices. Typical
RFIC design involves a high frequency RF front end, and a lower
frequency back end responsible for modulation or decoding of
a signal. However, RF developments range from predominantly
digital systems with an RF front end, to those almost entirely
analog RF designs in the case of Microwave Monolithic Integrated
Circuits. (When systems become particularly large or contain
multiple technology domains the term RF SoC may be applied.)
RFIC design often requires a considerable amount of signal
processing. Algorithm design at the system level is critical
to achieving noise immunity and high system performance. RF
systems often merge digital signal processing and analog RF
techniques in the one system. Future developments will call
for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems devices, further broadening
the skill base required for development.
System-level design and verification is required. Packaging
and loading effects need to be considered through the whole
design cycle to ensure that system performance targets are
met.
Significant complexity is introduced by the high frequency
of operation. Specialized simulators and analysis methods
have been developed for RF design. Sections of an RF system
that operate at high frequency or have an analog nature have
a high reliance on the physical implementation. They may also
be sensitive to process variation and require considerable
effort to optimize for a new fabrication process.
