ABSTRACT: Today’s communication systems allow the transfer of information at rates high enough to support strong requests of software applications. Ideally, information has to be transferred with the least probability of errors, with the minimum latency and as fast as possible. Continuous developments of communication protocol techniques aim at leveraging physical level resources guaranteeing effective data transfer. In turn, hardware level improvements assure an increased bandwidth for transmitter/receiver operation as well as higher bit rates.In particular, Distributed Voltage Controlled Oscillators (DVCO) are appealing solutions since they are capable to provide high frequency carriers, thus fulfilling the requirement of higher bit-rates, being at the same time instantly tuneable across a wide range of frequencies, enabling multi-standard receiver architectures. In this talk we will discuss about expected benefits and challenges met when dealing with DVCO design. In the first part we will show the main numerical methods and techniques needed to perform a full nonlinear anlaysis. Subsequently, we will deal with the design and implementation of a four stage DVCO. Finally, we will present measurement results for a prototype being built at CTTC Engineering Lab and target future research tasks.

 

SPEAKER: Alessandro Acampora (Palermo, Italy, 1977) received his MSc degree in Electronics Engineering (Microelectronics & Optical Devices oriented) from  "Università degli Studi di Palermo" (Palermo, Italy) in November 2004, with a graduation thesis concerning various issues in Distributed  Sensing (Wireless Sensor Networks, WSN) and Control (Networked Control Systems, NSC).  In October 2005 he obtained the "Qualification to perform Engineering Jobs" awarded by the Professional Body of Engineers, in Palermo. He joined CTTC in December 2006. His research activity during the year 2007, focused on mobility  management of  heterogeneous  wireless networks, giving  particular relevance to vertical handover  initiation & decision procedures. In 2008 he oriented his research interests towards Nonlinear Microwave Circuits, studying N-push coupled oscillators topologies suited for high frequency generation, and Distributed Voltage Controlled Oscillators (DVCO) to provide wideband tuning capabilities. Currently he is carrying out his PhD studies within the Communication Subsystems area, being also registered in the TSC ("Signal Theory & Communications) department at UPC.