Typical design flow for prototype projects
These are the key review cycle steps and expectations at each milestone.
1. Sagrad meets with customer for top level expectations to discuss the following:
a. system type TDMA, CDMA or Packet based
b. modulation type and CNo requirements
c. data rate set
d. channel and range requirements
e. standards required
f. power budgets, voltage scheme
g. form factor expectations
h. any antenna expectations
i. special requirements
j. expected Schedule
k. environmental requirements
l. mechanical and thermal requirements
m. FCC/ETSI or regulatory requirements
n. cost targets
o. interface requirement and connector types
p. manufacturing capabilities and expected limitations
q. details of acquisition schemes which could be impacted by RF system.
r. RMS targets for ADC and DAC for all data rates
s. any special AGC requirements
t. production testing expectations
2. Sagrad provides the following analysis:
a. link budget analysis
b. output power requirements
c. system noise figure requirements
d. key part selection
1. filters
2. PA
3. LNA
4. mixer
5. ADC/DAC
e. TX/RX AGC scheme
f. initial PCB expectations
g. electrical costs
h. key PLL requirements
i. SNR requirements for RX chain
j. SNR requirements for TX chain
k. spectral mask requirements
l. LO leakage requirements
m. special requirements such as phase and gain balance in ZIF systems
n. PAR requirements on TX and RX
o. LO level requirements
3. Sagrad completes detailed subcircuit analysis and full system simulation
a. all parts selected
b. analysis of full system for
1. CNo TX over AGC and noise/gain variations
2. RX SNR over AGC
3. linearity over AGC
c. requirements for each stage including typical, min and max for
1. gain
2. noise
3. linearity
4. Sagrad provides preliminary schematic if desired by customer
a. full schematics in Orcad
b. full bill of materials, to be costed by customer
c. production testing coverage expected
5. Sagrad finalizes schematic
a. full schematics in Orcad
b. full bom, to be costed by customer
c. customer to provide lead times and costs for parts and highlight any issues
6. Sagrad will complete initial parts placement
a. review parts placement
7. Sagrad will finalized layout
a. review of the layout, and reiterate for changes
b. if acceptable the designs are given to customer to fabricate
8. After first article is available Sagrad will complete initial functionality report
a. any gross errors in layout are reviewed
b. basic functionality of key circuits are discussed
c. issues with control are discussed
9. Sagrad completes intermediate results review with customer
a. some key subcircuits are compared to expectations
b. basic system level performance is measured
10. Sagrad holds review of final testing results
a. full compliance matrix on sub circuits is compared to expectation
11. Sagrad and customer complete system level review
(Often this testing is completed at customer premises with
integrated testing between Sagrad and customer)
a. RX SNR performance vs. AGC
b. RX linearity performance
c. LO performance
1. jitter/noise profile
2. Lock times
3. channel switching speed
4. tuning range
d. TX SNR vs. AGC
12. Sagrad completes production readiness and possible respin requirements review
13. Sagrad reviews results from production test with customer to insure results are inline with expectations