N-path filters for front end modules

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Wireless communications is a multibillion dollar business. At the core of any wireless device is the high speed radio frequency integrated circuit which implements the radio transceiver. Radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) form some of the key enabling technologies for any wireless device from a cell phone to a wireless local area network, and global positioning systems along with many more. Intense research is still ongoing at the circuit level as improvements in radios are necessary to make RFICs more compatible with digital technologies, and provide lower power operation for longer battery life and at the same time increasing radio performance in order to deliver higher data rates to the user. One of the key components necessary to designing a high performance radio necessary to meet the demands of new wireless applications is the front end module which contains filters which make up the duplexor. These filters are responsible for isolating the receiver and transmitter and protecting the sensitive receiver from being bombarded with a wide spectrum of powerful and potentially damaging energy. Currently these filters are implemented as costly off chip passive components. The research in this proposal aims at replacing these filters with a completely integrated N-path filter technology which will provide a much smaller and cost effective solution to this problem. Skyworks Solutions has identified N-Path filters as a key enabling technology going forward. They are keenly interested in incorporating these filters into their front end modules. These filters also provide the opportunity to perform channel selection at RF due to the ability to reenter them at will. This will lead to new improved architectures for the radios they interface with that will enable better performance to meet the ever increasing needs of more advanced radios. This grant will support research to improve the performance of N-Path filters through the development of novel circuits aimed at increasing their performance capabilities. The proposed project will help to ensure ongoing Canadian information technology research in wireless communication providing employment for scientists and engineers.