RF Receiver, Transmitter, and Transceiver Finished Units

1. What are RF Receivers?

1) Functional Definition

An RF receiver captures RF signals through an antenna, amplifies them through a low-noise amplifier (LNA), and downconverts them to an intermediate frequency (IF) using a mixer. A demodulator ultimately restores the original data. Key performance indicators include sensitivity (-120dBm level), selectivity (adjacent channel interference immunity), and dynamic range.

 

2) Typical Architectures

Superheterodyne: Mature and stable, requires an image rejection filter.

Zero-IF: Simplifies design but can pose DC offset issues.

Software-Defined Radio (SDR): Enables multi-protocol compatibility through digital signal processing.

 

2. What are RF Transmitters?

1) Working Principles

Baseband signal → Digital modulation (QPSK/16QAM) → Digital-to-analog conversion → Upconversion to carrier frequency → Power amplifier (PA) output. Key challenges include linearity (EVM < 3%), power efficiency (Class AB/E/F), and spectral purity (ACPR).

 

2) Advanced Technologies

Envelope Tracking (ET): Dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to improve energy efficiency.

Millimeter-wave Beamforming: used in 5G/6G Massive MIMO systems.

Silicon-based Integration: CMOS technology enables system-on-chip (SoC).

 

3. Application Scenario Comparison

Features	Receiver Focus	Transmitter Focus
Design Priorities	Noise Suppression	Power Control
Test Specifications	Noise Figure (NF)	Phase Noise
Typical Applications	GPS/Bluetooth Receiver Module	LoRa Gateway/Satellite Communication Terminal