Filter partitioning optimum strategy in homodyne multi-standard radio receivers

This paper analyzes the filter partitioning in the channel selection of direct conversion multi-standard radio receivers. The paper develops a systematic design methodology for optimum filter partitioning between the multi-standard receiver baseband analog Low Pass Filter (LPF) and the digital filter following the A/D conversion. To this aim, a new and efficient tool is introduced: the generic blockers diagram. Subsequently, a Figure of Merit (FOM) is defined to assess the trade-off between the analog LPF area and ADC power consumption. Thus, the designer is enabled to handle efficiently the large amount of information provided in the envisaged wireless standards. The first order, system level, analysis method based on the new generic blockers diagram, presented in this paper, is an efficient design tool for partitioning the multi-standard receiver block specifications.