Ultra Low-Power Miniaturized Flexible Radio Optimized for Long-Term Battery Operation

Crossfield intends to develop a single chip, low-power, flexible radio transceiver in ultrawideband technology that is battery operated and can support wireless sensor network applications not currently addressed by off-the-shelf wireless standards such as IEEE802.15.4. By implementing an ultrawideband (UWB) radio, a the power consumption can be reduced by an order of magnitude over existing radios. The program will take maximum advantage of Crossfield's off-the-shelf CMOS RF designs. The new design will be implemented in 65 nm CMOS technology. Certain mixed mode and interface functions may be purchased or subcontracted to accelerate the schedule or to reduce overall program risk. All digital designs will be custom developed using a standard cell approach for the targeted 65 nm process technology. Crossfield intends to build a brassboard to demonstrate the functionality and reduce risk in implementing the RFIC chip. Crossfield will complete the 65 nm transceiver design, fabricate and test a functioning device.