Transceiver parameter detection using a high conversion gain RF amplitude detector

In this work, we present a wideband CMOS RF amplitude detector for on-chip self-test and calibration. The high conversion gain detector enables accurate on-chip amplitude measurements and allows for accurate transceiver parameter prediction. The detector operates from 500MHz to 9GHz while detecting signal amplitudes from 0 to 0.7V with a sensitivity of -10V/V. Several test cases are presented to demonstrate the functionality of the design and its ability to detect key RF block parameters such as gain, distortion, and phase mismatch. The detector is built in 0.18μm CMOS and consumes less than 0.8mW from a 1.8V power supply.