transceivers

A transceiver is a device that can both transmit and receive signals, typically using a single front end and antenna. It converts digital or baseband data into radio frequency for transmission and converts received RF signals back into digital form for processing.

Transceivers usually include a transmitter chain and a receiver chain. The transmitter upconverts baseband or IF signals, applies amplification and filtering, and drives the antenna. The receiver amplifies, downconverts, filters, and digitizes the incoming signal for processing. Often the two chains share a reference clock or synthesizer.

Duplexing can be full or half duplex. Full-duplex systems transmit and receive simultaneously, while half-duplex systems alternate. Duplexing is commonly implemented by frequency division (FDD) or time division (TDD).

Applications span wireless communication, including mobile phones, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, two-way radios, and network infrastructure. Optical transceivers, used in fiber networks (for example SFP or QSFP modules), are closely related and convert electrical signals to light and back.

Performance is described by frequency range, data rate, sensitivity, noise figure, and transmit/receive isolation, as well as conformity with standards. Modern transceivers are often highly integrated ICs or modular devices, and software-defined radios enable flexible modulation and processing.