LTE-A Release 12 transmitter architecture: analog integration

This article explores the analog integration challenges in 4G base stations. Rel-12 features, such as wideband downlink CA, downlink multiple-input multiple-out (MIMO) spatial multiplexing, and AAS with embedded RF, present new design challenges in next-generation eNodeB radios. A bits-to-RF solution can help engineers shape alternative radio transmitter architectures (an example is given). The discussion focuses on novel RF digital-to-analog converter (RF-DAC) technology that yields a single-chip, wideband RF transmitter. Topics include system-level applications of RF-DAC and the integration benefits that it delivers to eNodeB radio design.