Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1541351
| 12 RF circuit elements (i.e., RF components and devices) through which the critical RF signals pass during desired RF system operation. RF signal chains can be drawn at a very high level (Figure 1) or as detailed as the RF circuit level. The level of abstraction and detail of an RF signal chain depends on what information is being conveyed. If only the essential RF signal path is being conveyed, then an RF signal chain may be a very abstract diagram with simple flow indicators for the RF signal path. In some cases, more detailed information is required, including key performance metrics, FOMs, and even part numbers to convey the exact component, device, module, or subsystem being used in each block. In most cases, the RF interconnect used to connect the various blocks isn't displayed unless it serves a critical role at the abstraction level of the RF signal chain diagram. In some cases, the signal chain omits the antenna, antenna interface circuitry, or other peripheral circuits, as these are sometimes outside of the domain of responsibility of the design team. An RF signal chain establishes the key performance metrics for each block, ensuring that input and output requirements are clearly defined for both transmitters and receivers. For instance, a transmitter front-end block typically has output metrics such as power, efficiency, linearity, bandwidth, and spectral content, while input metrics can include minimum power, noise, and distortion limits. Similarly, a receiver front-end block has output metrics such as minimum power and peak allowable Antenna Switch Transmission front-end TX module Signal modulation Data infrastructure Reception front-end RX module Signal demodulation RF Digital Figure 1: A high-level RF signal chain of a generic, fully digital transceiver. (Source: Mouser Electronics/Author) noise, as well as a maximum power requirement at the input. A more detailed RF signal chain will break down the individual requirements for each block and even detail the desired performance metrics for the given component, device, or module. For example, each node in each transmitter signal chain may have specific targets for power level or gain, noise limits, harmonic maximums, and phase variation ranges. Other, non- RF constraints and requirements may also be integrated into an RF signal chain, such as how much DC power can be used or how digital and analog control signals may be injected. Other aspects that may be included in an RF chain are shielding parameters, dynamic range, mechanical tolerances (e.g., vibration and shock), and environmental ruggedness FOM. The constraints and requirements