Deukhyoun Heo
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It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce this focused issue of IEEE Microwave Magazine, focusing on state-of-the-art advances in the field of signal generation. As an active member of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society Biological Effects and Medical Applications Technical Committee (TC-10), I am pleased to present two in-depth articles that thoroughly investigate the complex world of millimeter (mm)-wave signal generation for multiband operation and high-quality signal generation.
The MTT TC-10 Technical Committee is dedicated to fostering the development of signal generation and frequency conversion techniques applied to circuits and systems. Our specialized subcommittee continually assesses novel advances in RF and microwave oscillators, frequency multipliers and dividers, mixers, and frequency synthesizers, ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of innovation in our field.
The first article in this focused issue [A1] delves into the intricate realm of multiband high-performance signal generation employing scaled CMOS technologies specifically tailored for mm-wave 5G and beyond communication applications. The authors not only present a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art but also provide valuable insights into the future trends of this rapidly evolving field. Key challenges, such as frequency tuning range, multiband signal generation for energy-efficient and high-performance carrier signals for communications, and future research trends for multiband high-performance signal generations, are meticulously addressed, equipping readers with an extensive understanding of the subject matter.
In the second article [A2], we embark on a thorough exploration of the world of frequency synthesis, delving into its significance in shaping the future of wireless communication and sensing systems. The author starts by establishing a robust foundation with general definitions and requirements, followed by an exhaustive review of the main synthesizer architectures. Direct analog, direct digital, and indirect techniques are rigorously compared in terms of performance, circuit complexity, and cost impact. The design tradeoffs are critically analyzed, and the discussion is further enriched with an in-depth review of fractional-N, DDS, frequency offset, multiloop, and other schemes. The article concludes by illuminating the current state and future development trends of microwave frequency synthesizers, equipping readers with a contemporary overview of this indispensable aspect of the field.
As the era of 5G and beyond unfolds, the significance of advanced signal generation and synthesis techniques becomes increasingly crucial for the successful implementation and deployment of next-generation communication and sensing systems. This focused issue aims to offer a comprehensive outlook on the latest research and breakthroughs in these areas.
Looking ahead, our focus issue will also address the critical aspect of frequency conversion, as these two engaging articles represent merely a subset of the stimulating content we have planned for our valued readers. I sincerely hope that these articles will prove both intellectually stimulating and informative, as they delve into the intricate nuances of our field.
At this juncture, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the contributing authors for their outstanding work, as well as to all the reviewers who offered invaluable suggestions and insights. Additionally, I extend my warmest thanks to the unwavering support of the MTT-10 Technical Committee for this focused issue.
[A1] J. Baylon, M. A. Hoque, and D. Heo, “Spanning the spectrum: High-performance signal source design for the millimeter-wave age,†IEEE Microw. Mag., vol. 24, no. 7, pp. XXX–XXX, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.1109/MMM.2023.3265457.
[A2] A. Chenakin, “Microwave frequency synthesizers: A tutorial,†IEEE Microw. Mag., vol. 24, no. 7, pp. XXX–XXX, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.1109/MMM.2023.3265464.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MMM.2023.3264341
