Synthesis of analog integrated circuits [ LELEC2650 ]

> https://icampus.uclouvain.be/claroline/course/index.php?cid=LELEC2650

LELEC2532 or equivalent

This course addresses the synthesis of analog integrated circuits, that is the design and sizing at transistor level of the main analog electronics components integrated on Si, in view of applications in instrumentation, telecommunication, signal processing ...

This course aims at presenting the state-of-the art (architectural solutions, performances and limitations) and at further providing an advanced design methodology.

Contribution of the course to the program objectives (N°)

Axes 1, 2, 3, 5.3-5, 6.1/3

Specific learning outcomes of the course

At the end of this course, the student will be able to :

• Derive the mathematical relationships between the performances of the main integrated analog functions and the sizing of the transistors of the circuits.
• Apply these concepts to the optimal synthesis of such circuits in CMOS technology.
• Use to this aim, the appropriate professional methodologies and software CAD tools.
• Analyze and develop a critical view on standard and advanced implementations proposed in the technical and scientific literature.
• Understand, compare, and discuss different solutions proposed for actual applications

The exam features two parts :

• The realization of an original work in groups of 2 students during the 2nd semi-quadrimester on the analysis of a case study, on the basis of technical articles and the practice on this case, of the methods and techniques of synthesis of the course. A written report must be delivered for the start of the January exam session and is orally discussed during the written exam.
• The written exam is individual and open-book. Main questions are on the analysis of a technical article (explanations of concepts, equations and performances ; proposition of a sizing algorithm). In addition, a few short questions are on important concepts discussed in the course.

The course is organized in successive theoretical and practical sessions. Exercices are mainly hands-onand consist in training and use of computer-aided design softwares on workstations (MATLAB, SPICE / ELDO, CADENCE...) in view of practicing taught optimization and simulation methods and techniques in practical application case studies.

• Analog modelling of the MOS transistor
• Operational and transconductance amplifiers
• Switched-capacitor filters
• Continuous-time filters (MOSFET-C, gm-C)
• Switched-current circuits
• D-A, A-D converters (incl. Sigma-Delta)
• Voltage- or current- controlled oscillators

The details of the internal achitecture and of the operation of analog CMOS basic blocks and circuits are studied in the cases of actual integrated systems. Design and optimisation strategies are derived in order to achieve the performance specifications of target applications. Advanced computer-aided analysis and synthesis techniques are introduced. Practical case studies are presented or implemented in the frame of exercice sessions.

Course support on iCampus

• Copies of slides
• Chapters of thesis on iCampus
• Reference books and articles available in library or on internet

This course assumes that basic notions of fundamental electronics devices and circuits have been acquired at Bac Level, such as in LELEC1330 and LELEC1530. The course is primarily aimed at students in 2^nd year of Master ELEC or ELME preferably after following the course LELEC2532.