Data converters for spectrally-efficient broadband communication

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This project will explore analog/digital data converter integrated circuits in support of new and emerging spectrally-efficient broadband communication technologies, such as over coaxial broadcast TV cables and broadband wireless links. Current solutions rely heavily upon analog electronic signal processing, and therefore require carefully designed and calibrated analog circuitry. Such analog front ends have limited reconfigurability and require significant redesign and R&D expense for each new application or new standard. A heavier reliance upon digital signal processing (DSP) would be more flexible and permit more efficient use of available spectrum. The main challenge limiting the use of highly-digital transceivers for broadband communication is their need for data converters that can digitize wide swaths of communication spectrum with sufficient fidelity. It is widely believed that for many broadband applications, such converters are either impossible to realize or would consume far more power than the analog circuits they seek to replace. This project seeks to demonstrate viable data converters for those applications by reconsidering the assumptions underlying those beliefs. Specifically, digital correction techniques will be tailored to the known signal statistics enabling the use of low-power analog CMOS circuits for data converters processing communication signals at bandwidths exceeding 1GHz. Solutions will be demonstrated in advanced CMOS integrated circuit technologies, culminating in a state-of-the-art prototype data converter with accompanying DSP. The partner and collaborator is Toronto-based Kapik Inc., specialists in the development of mixed analog/digital integrated circuit IP. Their established technical leadership in this area and specific commercial interest in the project outcomes are key assets.