Abstract This chapter lays the foundation for the work presented in
latter chapters. The potential of 60 GHz frequency bands for high data
rate wireless transfer is discussed and promising applications are
enlisted. Furthermore, the challenges related to 60 GHz IC design are
presented and the chapter concludes with an outline of the book.
Keywords Wireless communication 60 GHz Millimeter wave integrated
circuit design Phase-locked loop CMOS Communication technology has
revolutionized our way of living over the last century. Since Marconi's
transatlantic wireless experiment in 1901, there has been tremendous
growth in wireless communication evolving from spark-gap telegraphy to
today's mobile phones equipped with Internet access and multimedia
capabilities. The omnipresence of wireless communication can be observed
in widespread use of cellular telephony, short-range communication
through wireless local area networks and personal area networks,
wireless sensors and many others. The frequency spectrum from 1 to 6 GHz
accommodates the vast majority of current wireless standards and
applications. Coupled with the availability of low cost radio frequency
(RF) components and mature integrated circuit (IC) techn- ogies, rapid
expansion and implementation of these systems is witnessed. The downside
of this expansion is the resulting scarcity of available bandwidth and
allowable transmit powers. In addition, stringent limitations on
spectrum and energy emissions have been enforced by regulatory bodies to
avoid interference between different wireless systems.
