MRI: Acquisition of Test & Measurement Equipment for Research in Wireless and Mixed-Signal Circuits

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

We propose the acquisition of instrumentation that will allow the experimental evaluation of a number of prototypes coming out of our present research in wireless and mixed-signal circuits. A number of research areas will benefit from such acquisition. These include high-performance oscillators, ultra-wide band radio circuits, integrated filters for radio and intermediate frequencies, parametric MOS circuits, nonlinear circuits with linear external behavior, time-encoding circuits, interconnect analysis, and on-chip serial links. Whereas in the past we have relied largely on cooperating industry to open their measurement facilities to us for such purposes, present economic difficulties and changes in the modus operandi of the industry have made this solution increasingly difficult. We thus propose to acquire equip-ment that will allow us full independence in testing at frequencies up to 50 GHz. We have identified a number of test setups needed in our work, and have determined the most suitable instruments for such setups after extensive consultations with four different equipment manufacturers. The in-struments include a spectrum analyzer, a network analyzer, a real-time sampling and a repetitive sampling oscilloscope, a noise source, a vector signal generator, a continuous-wave microwave gen-erator, a probe station, and include several options and supporting hardware. A shielded room will ensure low-interference measurements in New York's harsh electromagnetic interference environ-ment. The equipment proposed will allow us to have a top-notch measurement facility on-premises, with a large impact on both our research and our education programs.