Low cost solutions for 802.15.4 RF architectures

Abstract

This paper is a discussion about chip cost reduction by using an appropriate topology. This analysis is done in the context of the low-cost and low-rate 802.15 . 4 standard. Several architectures are discuss with CMOS analog, digital and mixed part considerations. The paper show the interest of solutions based on zero-IF topology and frequency shift keying (FSK) modulator comparatively to low-IF topology and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation. Furthermore the 802.15 . . 4 standard is reviewed and the cost impact of the protocol IS highlighted. At least a complete (analog and digital) low-cost RF architecture is proposed for a full integration including all basic functions of the physical laycr.