Electronics for Telecommunications systems

Module Mod. Fundamentals of analog electronics

By the end of the course, the student will be able to understand the operation and main characteristics of fundamental electronic components made of silicon and of the radio frequency (RF) electronics circuits based on them. They will also be able to derive their models and use them both for bias evaluation and for small- and large-signal analysis.

The student will also be capable of discerning which constructive characteristics (process or design parameters) influence the performance of the circuits covered in the course, and will acquire skills that will enable them to analyze fundamental fabrication steps for realizing devices in integrated technology.

Knowledge and understanding

The module aims at improving the basic knowledge on electronic devices and analog circuits in CMOS and Bipolar technologies for a better understanding of "Electronics for Telecommunications" module. Finally, some hints will be given to the back-end of integration technologies and to the main guidelines in defining the layout of RF circuits.

Applying knowledge and understanding

At the end of the module the student will have the necessary knowledge to understand the "Electronics for Telecommunications "module and an overview of fundamental technological aspects for RF circuits.

Making judgements

The student will be able to design simple analog circuits and integrated inductive components by autonomously making the appropriate design choices.

Communication skills

The student will begin to acquire the technical language of RF circuit electronics. The oral exam will allow students to refine their technical language and communication skills.

Learning skills

The student will be able to autonomously expand their knowledge by deepening the recommended texts.

Contribution of Teaching to the Objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The knowledge provided seeks to strengthen the capacities of young people and adults by equipping them with the necessary skills, including technical and vocational competencies, to access employment, engage in decent work, and foster entrepreneurial potential. It further aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by enhancing productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, with particular attention to high value-added and labor-intensive sectors. In doing so, it contributes directly to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8 of the 2030 Agenda.

The course includes lectures [Lectures: 21 hour – Practice and Labs: 0 hours] with some exercises aimed at putting into practice, consolidating and expanding the theoretical contents. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

If the course is taught in mixed or distance mode, the necessary changes may be introduced with respect to what was previously stated, in order to comply with the program provided and reported in the syllabus.

·       Essential knowledge: students are required to have a good knowledge of the main concepts and tools of Mathematical Analysis I and Physics II, acquired during bachelor's degree courses.

·       Important knowledge: basic knowledge of Electrical Engineering and electromagnetism is also required, with particular reference to the fundamental concepts relating to electrical circuits and their analysis.

·       Useful knowledge: knowledge of basic elements of analog electronics.

Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended as it is a module with specialized contents. Registration on the Studium platform is mandatory and will be used for all communications relating to the development of the module.

Bipolar and MOS transistors [Lectures: 4 hour – Practice and Labs: 0 hours]: Basics of bipolar and MOS transistors and equivalent model for small signal amplifying main regions.

 Single-ended and differential stages in bipolar and MOS technologies with resistive load [Lectures: 6 hour – Practice and Labs: 0 hours]: small-to-large signal relationship and gain.

Current mirrors [Lectures: 2 hour – Practice and Labs: 0 hours]: Simple current mirror in bipolar and MOS technologies. Bipolar mirror with current recovery. MOS cascode current mirror. Hints on the layout of a current mirror.

Cascode stages with resistive load in bipolar and CMOS technologies [Lectures: 3 hour – Practice and Labs: 0 hours]: gain, impedances, output dynamics.

Planar technology [Lectures: 3 hour – Practice and Labs: 0 hours]: basic and advanced topics, Latchup/ESD, layout related considerations, fabrication, back-end and external interfaces (passives/PCB/packages).

BEOL of RF technologies and layout of RF circuits [Lectures: 3 hour – Practice and Labs: 0 hours]: characteristics of metal layers (materials, thicknesses), distributed model of a connection.

1.               Sedra - Smith, Microelettronic circuits, Oxford Univerity press.

2.               B. Razavi, “RF Microelectronics”, Ed. Theodore S. R., Prentice Hall.

The assessment will be carried out through a single oral exam. It consists of two questions concerning the topics covered during the course.

1.     Biasing and small-signal parameters of the bipolar transistor;

2.     Biasing and small-signal parameters of the MOSFET;

3.     Common-source or common-emitter stage (two different questions);

4.     Common-drain or common-collector stage (two different questions);

5.     Common-gate or common-base stage (two different questions);

6.     Differential pair;

7.     Current mirrors;

8.     Cascode stage;

9.     Transistor cross-section;

10.  Analysis of parasitic effects of a design from the layout perspective.

The verification of learning can also be carried out remotely, if the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department.