Predictive test strategy for CMOS RF mixers

In this paper, we present two built-in self-test strategies for the down-converter stage in a GSM receiver. These strategies are based on the prediction of its performance parameters from measurements in test mode. By reusing some receiver blocks as part of the test set-up, the circuitry overhead is kept small. The first strategy uses the local oscillator (LO) signal as the only test stimuli. The second strategy uses additional test circuitry, a generator, and an auxiliary mixer. Prediction accuracies are similar in both strategies, but the test observables in the second one are easier to be obtained.