Multimode-multiband transceivers for next generation of wireless communications

Multi-standard connectivity has become de-facto for smart phones and laptops but is emerging also to other more specialized gadgets like e-book readers. Such devices need to be designed for the best performance even when multiple standards are operating simultaneously. In the future, RF band allocations will make the scene even more complex especially in LTE evolution towards band aggregation. Once RF transceiver architectures have evolved to be compliant with modern CMOS processes new challenges will rise to guarantee smooth user experience in high-speed applications independently of protocol or frequency band. This means stricter requirements in mutual interference and miniaturization from antenna to ASIC's. However, interplay between protocols may also open new opportunities to consider transceiver architecture options suitable for multi-standard radios.