Argo Semiconductors

• DSP algorithms and hardwired DSP architectures and circuits
• Digital baseband modem modeling and optimization
• Digital RF: Digital PLL, Digital Transmitter / Digital PA
• RF/IF DSP: down/up-conversion down/up-sampling stages
• Compensation of analog RF non-idealities, Calibration
• Beamforming
• PLL predistortion in direct modulation, PA predistortion
• Basic components: Filters, Viterbi (VA) decoder
• Experience with standards: WLAN, BT/BLE, NFC, GSM
• Deliverable options: RTL, Netlist, FPGA prototypes
• IC aspects: Low power design, RTL formal verification

• Analog baseband modem modeling and optimization
• Analog RF, mmWave design and layout
• Analog Front-End (AFE): PA, LNA, TR-Switch
• Multi antenna related: phase shifter, combiner
• Components: mixers, filters, VCO, DCO, Analog PLL, generator of digital clock
• Basic Circuits: BandGap, Voltage Regulator, OPAMP, Switched Cap AMP, Σ-Δ modulators, C-to-V converters, power detector
• Self-test to enable analog self-optimization
• Experience with standards: 2G/3G/4G/mmWave 5G cellular, Wi-Fi
• Technologies: CMOS, Bi-CMOS, CMOS-SOI

• Feasibility study on physical layer of wireless and wired telecommunications
• Transmitter chain modeling and optimization
• Receiver chain modeling and optimization
• Extract block specifications based on system specifications
• Feasibility study of systems involving
  • hybrid analog – digital subsystems
  • multi-rate subsystems
  • mixtures of discrete-time and continuous-time systems
  • time-variant subsystems
• System studies involving analog front-end and antennas
• System studies involving antenna arrays and digital control
• Mixed signal system modeling & verification

Argo Semi has long experience on remote coordination of multi-site, multi-country engineering teams. Therefore, beyond allocating individual engineers on a project managed directly by the customer, the following options are also offered:

• Allocating a team of engineers on a project along with a Project Manager, for allowing more centralized reporting and reduced time overhead for the customer.
• Allocating a Project Manager for coordinating heterogenous engineering teams as dictated by the customer, possibly supported by an engineering work force by Argo.

The Argo Semi engineering team has been very successful on analyzing complex engineering problems and resolving well-hidden design bugs. This is achieved by engaging experienced engineers with complementary technical backgrounds, in close collaboration with the customer’s engineering team.

In particular, our specialty covers system level issues of mixed analog / digital circuits and/or hybrid discrete-time / continuous-time circuits.

Argo Semi supports the patent portfolio development by providing consultation on

• identifying patentable items
• performing prior art search
• preparing patent application drafts, including figures, description text and patent claim structures
• connecting to experienced patent attorneys around the world, as specified by the customer.

This way, our customers are offered the means of controlling their patent portfolio development costs by enjoying Argo’s engineering-level charges for a substantial part of this activity.