A Novel Architecture of Delta-Sigma Modulator Enabling All-Digital Multiband Multistandard RF Transmitters Design

Abstract

This paper proposes a new architecture of delta-sigma (DS) modulator suitable for RF digital transmitter design. This novel architecture considerably reduces the speed requirements of the digital signal processing block. The novelty lies in the implementation of a specific fully digital up-conversion in combination with a low-pass DS modulator to produce high-frequency digital-like signals, which can be used to drive highly efficient switching-mode power amplifiers. The proposed architecture is suitable for reconfigurable all-digital, multistandard and multiband wireless transmitters. The novel transmitter architecture has been validated using simulation and implemented on a field-programmable gate array development board for two different signals, code division multiple access and orthogonal frequency division multiplex.