3. Radio frequency circuit simulation

The aim of this section is to describe the simulation methods used to analyze radiofrequency (RF) circuits. These circuits are mainly used in wireless communication systems (cell phones, personal or local area network peripherals, etc.). RF circuits, and the signals they carry, tend to be analog in nature. So part of the design phase of these circuits can use the analyses described in the previous chapter (DC, AC and possibly TRAN analyses). However, due to the particular form of the signals processed, and the frequency ranges involved, specific algorithms and analyses have been developed to facilitate the task of RF system designers.

Figure 15 shows an example of a wireless communication circuit. This is a superheterodyne receiver containing various...