Digital to RF coupling analysis methodology for mixed-signal systems

Digital harmonics could be coupled to a RF system in a digital & RF mixed signal board or a package. The coupled digital harmonic could reduce the RF sensitivity of the system, or cause a system failure. Digital to RF coupling is the most important factor of degrading mixed-signal systems. The analysis methodology of evaluating the RF performance reflected by the digital harmonics is addressed. In this paper, proposed methodology has been applied to RF receiver hardware and verified by 3D electromagnetic simulation.