Electronics for Telecommunications systems

Module Mod. Fundamentals of analog electronics

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. Topics related to integrated reactive passive components and their use in radio frequency (RF) circuits will also be addressed. 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 and will be able to design integrated inductive components.

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.

The course includes lectures 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.

Bipolar transistors: Basics of bipolar transistor and equivalent model for small signal in direct active region.

Differential stage in bipolar and MOS technologies with resistive load: large signal relationship and gain.

Current mirrors: 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 stage with resistive load in bipolar and CMOS technologies: gain, impedances, output dynamics.

Integrated reactive passive components: use, implementation on silicon, self-resonance, losses and quality factor, design of integrated inductors and transformers. Use of the resonant load and advantages in comparison with the resistive load.

BEOL of RF technologies and layout of RF circuits: characteristics of metal layers (materials, thicknesses), distributed model of a connection, main guidelines in defining the layout of RF circuits.

EM 2D simulators: introduction to the electromagnetic (EM) 2D Momentum simulator by Keysight Technologies.

1. Sedra - Smith, Microelettronic circuits, Oxford Univerity press.
2. B. Razavi, “RF Microelectronics”, Ed. Theodore S. R., Prentice Hall.
3. A. Scuderi, E. Ragonese, T. Biondi, G. Palmisano, "Integrated inductors and transformers: characterization, design and modeling for RF and mm-wave applications," CRC Press - Taylor & Francis Group, Nov. 2010.

1. Small signal parameters of the bipolar transistor.
2. Current mirrors.
3. Cascode stage in high frequency applciations
4. Integrated inductors