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Design and Evaluation of a Novel Low-Power Rectifier for RSSI in IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi Receivers

Tikeris, Dimos LU (2025) EITM01 20242
Department of Electrical and Information Technology
Abstract
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) circuits are critical in modern Wi-Fi
receivers, playing a key role in power management and protecting the radio frequency
(RF) front-end from saturation and potential damage. This thesis presents
the design and evaluation of a novel rectifier circuit conceptualized for use in an
RSSI system within an industry-standard 22nm CMOS node, specifically targeting
integration into IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi receivers.
The proposed rectifier achieves an 18 dB RF dynamic range (-45 to -27 dBm)
with 3 dB resolution, and an estimation error of ±2dB, ensuring accurate signal
strength detection. A key focus of the design is minimizing power consumption
while maintaining high performance, making it well-suited... (More)
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) circuits are critical in modern Wi-Fi
receivers, playing a key role in power management and protecting the radio frequency
(RF) front-end from saturation and potential damage. This thesis presents
the design and evaluation of a novel rectifier circuit conceptualized for use in an
RSSI system within an industry-standard 22nm CMOS node, specifically targeting
integration into IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi receivers.
The proposed rectifier achieves an 18 dB RF dynamic range (-45 to -27 dBm)
with 3 dB resolution, and an estimation error of ±2dB, ensuring accurate signal
strength detection. A key focus of the design is minimizing power consumption
while maintaining high performance, making it well-suited for energy-constrained
Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The rectifier architecture has been designed
to function reliably across standard temperature variations and process corners,
ensuring robust operation in real-world deployment scenarios. Compared to state
of the art, the novel rectifier significantly reduces power consumption while providing
precise signal strength estimation.
Simulation results show the rectifier’s effectiveness in meeting the requirements of
modern Wi-Fi RSSI applications. Its ability to function within the constraints of
IEEE 802.11ax ensures compatibility with next-generation wireless communication
systems. The research contributes to advancing RF energy detection techniques,
offering a scalable, efficient solution for improved signal characterization and power
efficiency in Wi-Fi receivers. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Wi-Fi has become an essential part of our daily lives, powering everything from
smartphones and laptops to smart home devices and industrial automation. However,
ensuring stable and efficient wireless connections is not as simple as just
having a strong signal. Behind the scenes, Wi-Fi receivers rely on special circuits
to measure signal strength and adjust performance accordingly. One such circuit
is the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which works to optimize power
usage and prevent critical components from being overloaded by strong signals,
causing loss of signal information or component damage.
This thesis explores the development of a new type of rectifier, a circuit that is
a key building block in an RSSI system.... (More)
Wi-Fi has become an essential part of our daily lives, powering everything from
smartphones and laptops to smart home devices and industrial automation. However,
ensuring stable and efficient wireless connections is not as simple as just
having a strong signal. Behind the scenes, Wi-Fi receivers rely on special circuits
to measure signal strength and adjust performance accordingly. One such circuit
is the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which works to optimize power
usage and prevent critical components from being overloaded by strong signals,
causing loss of signal information or component damage.
This thesis explores the development of a new type of rectifier, a circuit that is
a key building block in an RSSI system. The goal was to design a small, energyefficient,
and highly accurate rectifier that could work within next-generation Wi-
Fi receivers, particularly those following the IEEE 802.11ax standard (also known
as Wi-Fi 6).
The new rectifier is built in an advanced 22-nanometer semiconductor technology,
similar to what is used in modern processors. Through innovative design, it
achieves a wide detection range, accurately measuring signals between -45 dBm
and -27 dBm, while consuming very little power. This makes it particularly useful
for battery-powered devices, such as smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT)
applications. Additionally, it has been tested under different conditions, ensuring
that it remains stable and reliable despite changes in temperature and manufacturing
variations.
By improving how Wi-Fi receivers detect and manage signal strength, this research
contributes to faster, more reliable, and more energy-efficient wireless communication.
The findings could help make future Wi-Fi networks smarter, reducing
interference, improving battery life in portable devices, and paving the way for
more advanced applications in smart homes, industry, and beyond. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Tikeris, Dimos LU
supervisor
organization
course
EITM01 20242
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
RSSI, Received signal strength indicator, rectifier, current mirrors, current mode rectifier, IEEE, wi-fi 6, 802.11ax, novel, analog, IC, integrated circuits, receivers, circuit design
report number
LU/LTH-EIT 2025-1046
language
English
id
9187533
date added to LUP
2025-04-10 13:39:37
date last changed
2025-04-10 13:39:37
@misc{9187533,
  abstract     = {{Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) circuits are critical in modern Wi-Fi
receivers, playing a key role in power management and protecting the radio frequency
(RF) front-end from saturation and potential damage. This thesis presents
the design and evaluation of a novel rectifier circuit conceptualized for use in an
RSSI system within an industry-standard 22nm CMOS node, specifically targeting
integration into IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi receivers.
The proposed rectifier achieves an 18 dB RF dynamic range (-45 to -27 dBm)
with 3 dB resolution, and an estimation error of ±2dB, ensuring accurate signal
strength detection. A key focus of the design is minimizing power consumption
while maintaining high performance, making it well-suited for energy-constrained
Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The rectifier architecture has been designed
to function reliably across standard temperature variations and process corners,
ensuring robust operation in real-world deployment scenarios. Compared to state
of the art, the novel rectifier significantly reduces power consumption while providing
precise signal strength estimation.
Simulation results show the rectifier’s effectiveness in meeting the requirements of
modern Wi-Fi RSSI applications. Its ability to function within the constraints of
IEEE 802.11ax ensures compatibility with next-generation wireless communication
systems. The research contributes to advancing RF energy detection techniques,
offering a scalable, efficient solution for improved signal characterization and power
efficiency in Wi-Fi receivers.}},
  author       = {{Tikeris, Dimos}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Design and Evaluation of a Novel Low-Power Rectifier for RSSI in IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi Receivers}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}