Design considerations for minimal-power wireless spread spectrum circuits and systems

Wireless local area networks (WLANs) provide untethered access to digital data in both home and office environments. To preserve mobility for extended periods of time, low power design is a critical enabler. Low-power WLAN design requires consideration at every level from the system topology, protocol, and radio architecture to the detailed circuit design. Every level is required to work together in harmony to gain the maximum in power reduction. This paper discusses the performance requirements and design tradeoffs encountered in the design of minimal-power WLAN systems.