The operation of a microwave photonic link is thoroughly investigated both theoretically and experimentally. To this aim, we have developed a simulation tool based on an accurate physical model embedded in a radio frequency (RF) chain simulator. The theoretical predictions are tested on an intensity modulation-direct detection (IMDD) link we have specifically developed to this purpose. Our simulation tool takes into account both optical and electrical characteristics of the link components including the laser dynamics and impedance matching networks. It thus enables an accurate understanding of the different physical and electrical phenomena governing the link's performances even under unusual operation conditions. Specifically, we were able to isolate an unusual behavior and to confirm it experimentally. It is thereby clear that the noise figure of a microwave optical link can be lower than the electrical losses, such as a mismatched output passive electrical network. This state is reached when the optical losses are high enough and when the link's output impedance is mismatched, too.

In this paper, we address the architecture of multistandard simultaneous reception receivers and we aim to reduce the complexity and the power consumption of the analog front-end. To this end, we propose an architecture using the double orthogonal translation technique in order to multiplex two signals received on different frequency bands. A study case concerning the simultaneous reception of 802.11 g and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) signals is developed in this article. Theoretical and simulation results show that this type of multiplexing does not significantly influence the evolution of the signal-to-noise ratio of the signals. In the same time a 30% reduction of the power consumption is expected as well as a significant reduction of the complexity.

In this paper, we address the architecture of a multi-antenna receiver and we aim at reducing the complexity of the analog front-end. To this end, an innovative architecture is introduced based on code multiplexing. This architecture uses the direct sequence spread spectrum technique in order to multiplex the different antennas contributions through a single In-phase/Quadrature (IQ) demodulator. Simulation and measurement results show that the bit error rate does not increase so much with the multiplexing in both Gaussian and fading environments and with strong radiofrequency (RF) defaults conditions. The complexity evaluation shows that the proposed architecture significantly reduces the chip area and the power consumption of the front-end.

In order to perform an accurate design, in particular in non-linear circuit, the equivalent circuit of inductors must be precisely described in a wide frequency band. Many models have been proposed to describe the behavior of inductors on lossy substrate. They consist of a great number of elements, often suggested by physical phenomena. Most of them cannot be extracted from measurements. In this paper, we propose a model composed only of elements that can be analytically extracted from measurement results.

Novel designs of circular waveguide components for lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and bandstop applications are presented. The filters are formed by cascaded TM11-mode resonator sections which share a common axis, thus preserving the polarizations of input signals due to rotational symmetry. Moreover, the filters are smaller than standard TE11-mode bandpass filters. Basic design considerations are discussed with respect to the connection of TM11-mode resonators through circular irises. Design principles for all four filter types are presented and their performances computed by the coupled-integral equation technique (CIET). All filter performances are verified by the commercially available software package μWave Wizard, and structural dimensions are provided.