All Programmable RF Sampling Solutions White Paper (WP489)

To achieve the performance required of the latest generation of wireless access, DOCSIS, and a plethora of other radio applications, direct RF-sampling technology holds the promise of increased flexibility and higher performance. Direct RF-sampling provides the flexibility by moving much of the RF signal processing into the digital domain, thereby eliminating much of the analog signal processing[Ref 1][Ref 2]. However, there is immense market pressure to reduce the power and footprint of these systems. The solution is to integrate RF-sampling data converters with VLSI devices using advanced CMOS technology. Xilinx® All Programmable technology has long provided a highly flexible digital signal processing solution for a range of radio applications[Ref 3][Ref 4]. Integrating direct RF-sampling data converters enables a highly flexible platform for radio development that also addresses many of the challenges associated with current direct RF-sampling solutions.