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Welcome to the 2011 IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFIC) Symposium, which will take place in Baltimore, Maryland (www.RFIC2011.org) 5-7 June, 2011.  Our Symposium, held in conjunction with the IEEE MTT‑S International Microwave Symposium, opens Microwave Week 2011, the largest world-wide RF/Microwave meeting of the year.

The 2011 RFIC Symposium continues to build upon its heritage as one of the foremost IEEE technical conferences, increasing each year its impact and reputation of excellence. By bringing focus to the technical accomplishments in RF circuits, systems, and devices, the RFIC Symposium has become essential to both the academic and the industrial communities. This year’s exciting technical program will showcase the latest innovations in RF integrated circuit design with sessions that cover a broad spectrum of topics from cellular and wireless-connectivity system ICs, broadband wireless communications, digitally enhanced RF circuits, silicon millimeter-wave ICs, and RF device technology, modeling, and characterization.  Applications highlighted by the technology include mobile phones, wireless communication systems, broadband access modems, radar systems and intelligent transport systems. 

Running in conjunction with the International Microwave Symposium and Exhibit, the RFIC Symposium adds to the excitement of the Microwave Week with three days focused exclusively on RFIC technology and innovation.

The 2011 RFIC Symposium will start on Sunday with half-day and full-day workshops covering a wide array of topics. Some of the topics include: New Architectures for Digitized Receivers, RFIC for Bio-Medical Applications, Imaging at mm-wave and beyond, Cognitive Radios and Spectrum Sensing, Advancements in Linear Power Amplifiers, Efficiency Enhancement Techniques for Power Amplifiers and Transmitters, Advancements and Challenges Toward Radio-in-package and Radio-on-chip, Re-configurability Requirements for Multi-standard, Low-Power Operation, and EMI compliant product design practices.

The conference also includes a Plenary Session, which is held on Sunday evening. Keynote addresses will be given by two renowned leaders from in the wireless industry. Both of them will share their views and insights on the direction and challenges that the RF IC design community is facing. The first speaker is the Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Telegent Systems, Dr. Sam Sheng, who will discuss “RF Coexistence - Challenges and  Opportunities.“  The second speaker is Ron Ruebusch, Vice President of R&D of Wireless Semiconductor Division of Avago Technologies.  He will discuss “3G to 4G Transition – Challenges and Opportunities.”  In addition to the keynote addresses, the conference holds a student paper competition to encourage the publication of innovative research from university students.  Consequently, best student paper awards are presented in the Plenary Session to acknowledge these contributions. The highly anticipated RFIC Reception will follow immediately after the Plenary Session, providing a relaxing time for all to mingle with old friends and catch up on the latest news.

On Monday and Tuesday, the conference will feature lunch-time panel sessions that traditionally draw strong debate between panel members as well as stimulating interaction between attendees and panelists.  The Monday panel session is entitled “Software Defined Radios – Facts and Fantasies” while the Tuesday panel session is entitled “What is the limit of multi-radio integration… or rather, is it ‘disintegration’?”. Be sure to attend these lively and entertaining forums.

Technical papers will be presented during oral sessions throughout Monday and Tuesday. There will be a total of 130 papers presented in 22 focused oral sessions. The technical program will conclude with the Interactive Forum session on Tuesday afternoon, which will feature poster sessions and the chance to speak directly with authors regarding their work.

Image Courtesy of Visit Baltimore

This year’s location is the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland.  This vibrant city on the water provides many interesting attractions around every corner.  Baltimore has a  generous selection of new hotels, outstanding restaurants and many attractions for the entire family. Its world-renowned Inner Harbor is surrounded by historic neighborhoods where you will find city living at its best with unique shops and restaurants for every style and taste.  We hope that you take full advantage of these opportunities on your visit.

Below is a glimpse of the 2011 RFIC week’s activities.
 

Click on image above for larger view

On behalf of the RFIC Steering Committee, we look forward to seeing you at the 2011 RFIC Symposium in Baltimore.

David Ngo
General Chair

Albert Jerng & Chris Rudell
Technical Program Committee co-Chairs