Jad G. Atallah – författare

This book describes the design and implementation of an electronic subsystem called the frequency synthesizer, which is a very important building block for any wireless transceiver. The discussion includes several new techniques for the design of such a subsystem which include the usage modes of the wireless device, including its support for several leading-edge wireless standards. This new perspective for designing such a demanding subsystem is based on the fact that optimizing the performance of a complete system is not always achieved by optimizing the performance of its building blocks separately.  This book provides “hands-on” examples of this sort of co-design of optimized subsystems, which can make the vision of an always-best-connected scenario a reality.

This textbook takes a unique approach to fundamental courses in electronic circuits, providing the students with early exposure to Integrated Circuit (IC) technology and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools using a Process Design Kit (PDK). This aims at preparing the students to participate in the advancements taking place in the field today and in the foreseeable future.

The book follows a novel, hands-on approach to electronics education, combining a unique pedagogy that balances theory with practice. The starting point consists of circuit simulation results rather than device physics. Therefore, hand calculations and simulations are readily used, and the loop between the two is closed. The information is presented visually not only for the circuits, but also for the signals involved, all of which being simulation results. The book is aimed to be easily read and understood by the students, which gives the instructors ample time to concentrate on the important points.

The book discusses technology and its applications and limitations along with the IC design flow. It goes in depth into various types of circuits including analog, digital, and mixed-signal, where the students are encouraged to discover the connections between the different applications. This is because future electronic circuit designers should be able to understand system and technology aspects, and be able to switch easily between applications. This results in the students being better-prepared for future cross-disciplinary innovations.