289 research outputs found
Design and implementation of a wideband sigma delta ADC
Abstract. High-speed and wideband ADCs have become increasingly important in response to the growing demand for high-speed wireless communication services. Continuous time sigma delta modulators (CTÆ©âM), well-known for their oversampling and noise shaping properties, offer a promising solution for low-power and high-speed design in wireless applications.
The objective of this thesis is to design and implement a wideband CTÆ©âM for a global navigation satellite system(GNSS) receiver. The targeted modulator architecture is a 3rdorder single-bit CTÆ©âM, specifically designed to operate within a 15 MHz signal bandwidth. With an oversampling ratio of 25, the ADCâs sampling frequency is set at 768 MHz. The design goal is to achieve a theoretical signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 55 dB.
This thesis focuses on the design and implementation of the CTÆ©âM, building upon the principles of a discrete time Æ©â modulator, and leveraging system-level simulation and formulations. A detailed explanation of the coefficient calculation procedure specific to CTÆ©â modulators is provided, along with a "top-down" design approach that ensures the specified requirements are met. MATLAB scripts for coefficient calculation are also included. To overcome the challenges associated with the implementation of CTÆ©â modulators, particularly excess loop delay and clock jitter sensitivity, this thesis explores two key strategies: the introduction of a delay compensation path and the utilization of a finite impulse response (FIR) feedback DAC. By incorporating a delay compensation path, the stability of the modulator can be ensured and its noise transfer function (NTF) can be restored. Additionally, the integration of an FIR feedback DAC addresses the issue of clock jitter sensitivity, enhancing the overall performance and robustness of the CTÆ©âM.
The CTÆ©âMs employ the cascade of integrators with feed forward (CIFF) and cascade of integrators with feedforward and feedback (CIFF-B) topologies, with a particular emphasis on the CIFF-B configuration using 22nm CMOS technology node and a supply voltage of 0.8 V. Various simulations are performed to validate the modulatorâs performance. The simulation results demonstrate an achievable SNR of 55 dB with a power consumption of 1.36 mW. Furthermore, the adoption of NTF zero optimization techniques enhances the SNR to 62 dB.Laajakaistaisen jatkuva-aikaisen sigma delta-AD-muuntimen suunnittelu ja toteutus. TiivistelmĂ€. Nopeat ja laajakaistaiset AD-muuntimet ovat tulleet entistĂ€ tĂ€rkeĂ€mmiksi nopeiden langattomien kommunikaatiopalvelujen kysynnĂ€n kasvaessa. Jatkuva-aikaiset sigma delta -modulaattorit (CTÆ©âM), joissa kĂ€ytetÀÀn ylinĂ€ytteistystĂ€ ja kohinanmuokkausta, tarjoavat lupaavan ratkaisun matalan tehonkulutuksen ja nopeiden langattomien sovellusten suunnitteluun.
TĂ€mĂ€n työn tarkoituksena on suunnitella ja toteuttaa laajakaistainen jatkuva -aikainen sigma delta -modulaattori satelliittipaikannusjĂ€rjestelmien (GNSS) vastaanottimeen. Arkkitehtuuriltaan modulaattori on kolmannen asteen 1-bittinen CTÆ©âM, jolla on 15MHz:n signaalikaistanleveys. YlinĂ€ytteistyssuhde on 25 ja AD muuntimen nĂ€ytteistystaajuus 768 MHz. Tavoitteena on saavuttaa teoreettinen 55 dB signaalikohinasuhde (SNR).
TĂ€mĂ€ työ keskittyy jatkuva-aikaisen sigma delta -modulaattorin suunnitteluun ja toteutukseen, perustuen diskreettiaikaisen Æ©â-modulaattorin periaatteisiin ja systeemitason simulointiin ja mallitukseen. Jatkuva-aikaisen sigma delta -modulaattorin kertoimien laskentamenetelmĂ€ esitetÀÀn yksityiskohtaisesti, ja vaatimusten tĂ€yttyminen varmistetaan âtop-downâ -suunnitteluperiaatteella. LiitteenĂ€ on kertoimien laskemiseen kĂ€ytetty MATLAB-koodi. Jatkuva-aikaisten sigma delta -modulaattoreiden erityishaasteiden, liian pitkĂ€n silmukkaviiveen ja kellojitterin herkkyyden, voittamiseksi tutkitaan kahta strategiaa, viiveen kompensointipolkua ja FIR takaisinkytkentĂ€ -DA muunninta. Viivekompensointipolkua kĂ€yttĂ€mĂ€llĂ€ modulaattorin stabiilisuus ja kohinansuodatusfunktio saadaan varmistettua ja korjattua. LisĂ€ksi FIR takaisinkytkentĂ€ -DA-muuntimen kĂ€yttö pienentÀÀ kellojitteriherkkyyttĂ€, parantaen jatkuva aikaisen sigma delta -modulaattorin kokonaissuorituskykyĂ€ ja luotettavuutta.
Toteutetuissa jatkuva-aikaisissa sigma delta -modulaattoreissa on kytketty perÀkkÀin integraattoreita myötÀkytkentÀrakenteella (CIFF) ja toisessa sekÀ myötÀ- ettÀ takaisinkytkentÀrakenteella (CIFF-B). PÀÀhuomio on CIFF-B rakenteessa, joka toteutetaan 22nm CMOS prosessissa kÀyttÀen 0.8 voltin kÀyttöjÀnnitettÀ. Suorityskyky varmistetaan erilaisilla simuloinneilla, joiden perusteella 55 dB SNR saavutetaan 1.36 mW tehonkulutuksella. LisÀksi kohinanmuokkausfunktion optimoinnilla SNR saadaan nostettua 62 desibeliin
Design Considerations for Wide Bandwidth Continuous-Time Low-Pass Delta-Sigma Analog-to-Digital Converters
Continuous-time (CT) delta-sigma (ÎÎŁ) analog-to-digital converters (ADC) have emerged as the popular choice to achieve high resolution and large bandwidth due to their low cost, power efficiency, inherent anti-alias filtering and digital post processing capabilities.
This work presents a detailed system-level design methodology for a low-power CT ÎÎŁ ADC. Design considerations and trade-offs at the system-level are presented. A novel technique to reduce the sensitivity of the proposed ADC to clock jitter-induced feedback charge variations by employing a hybrid digital-to-analog converter (DAC) based on switched-capacitor circuits is also presented. The proposed technique provides a clock jitter tolerance of up to 5ps (rms). The system is implemented using a 5th order active-RC loop filter, 9-level quantizer and DAC, achieving 74dB SNDR over 20MHz signal bandwidth, at 400MHz sampling frequency in a 1.2V, 90 nm CMOS technology.
A novel technique to improve the linearity of the feedback digital-to-analog converters (DAC) in a target 11-bits resolution, 100MHz bandwidth, 2GHz sampling frequency CT ÎÎŁ ADC is also presented in this work. DAC linearity is improved by combining dynamic element matching and automatic background calibration to achieve up to 18dB improvement in the SNR. Transistor-level circuit implementation of the proposed technique was done in a 1.8V, 0.18ÎŒm BiCMOS process
Robust sigma delta converters : and their application in low-power highly-digitized flexible receivers
In wireless communication industry, the convergence of stand-alone, single application transceiver ICâs into scalable, programmable and platform based transceiver ICs, has led to the possibility to create sophisticated mobile devices within a limited volume. These multi-standard (multi-mode), MIMO, SDR and cognitive radios, ask for more adaptability and flexibility on every abstraction level of the transceiver. The adaptability and flexibility of the receive paths require a digitized receiver architecture in which most of the adaptability and flexibility is shifted in the digital domain. This trend to ask for more adaptability and flexibility, but also more performance, higher efficiency and an increasing functionality per volume, has a major impact on the IP blocks such systems are built with. At the same time the increasing requirement for more digital processing in the same volume and for the same power has led to mainstream CMOS feature size scaling, leading to smaller, faster and more efficient transistors, optimized to increase processing efficiency per volume (smaller area, lower power consumption, faster digital processing). As wireless receivers is a comparably small market compared to digital processors, the receivers also have to be designed in a digitally optimized technology, as the processor and transceiver are on the same chip to reduce device volume. This asks for a generalized approach, which maps application requirements of complex systems (such as wireless receivers) on the advantages these digitally optimized technologies bring. First, the application trends are gathered in five quality indicators being: (algorithmic) accuracy, robustness, flexibility, efficiency, and emission, of which the last one is not further analyzed in this thesis. Secondly, using the quality indicators, it is identified that by introducing (or increasing) digitization at every abstraction level of a system, the advantages of modern digitally optimized technologies can be exploited. For a system on a chip, these abstraction levels are: system/application level, analog IP architecture level, circuit topology level and layout level. In this thesis, the quality indicators together with the digitization at different abstraction levels are applied to SÂż modulators. SÂż modulator performance properties are categorized into the proposed quality indicators. Next, it is identified what determines the accuracy, robustness, flexibility and efficiency of a SÂż modulator. Important modulator performance parameters, design parameter relations, and performance-cost relations are derived. Finally, several implementations are presented, which are designed using the found relations. At least one implementation example is shown for each level of digitization. At system level, a flexible (N)ZIF receiver architecture is digitized by shifting the ADC closer to the antenna, reducing the amount of analog signal conditioning required in front of the ADC, and shifting the re-configurability of such a receiver into the digital domain as much as possible. Being closer to the antenna, and because of the increased receiver flexibility, a high performance, multi-mode ADC is required. In this thesis, it is proven that such multi-mode ADCs can be made at low area and power consumption. At analog IP architecture level, a smarter SÂż modulator architecture is found, which combines the advantages of 1-bit and multi-bit modulators. The analog loop filter is partly digitized, and analog circuit blocks are replaced by a digital filter, leading to an area and power efficient design, which above all is very portable, and has the potential to become a good candidate for the ADC in multimode receivers. At circuit and layout level, analog circuits are designed in the same way as digital circuits are. Analog IP blocks are split up in analog unit cells, which are put in a library. For each analog unit cell, a p-cell layout view is created. Once such a library is available, different IP blocks can be created using the same unit cells and using the automatic routing tools normally used for digital circuits. The library of unit cells can be ported to a next technology very quickly, as the unit cells are very simple circuits, increasing portability of IP blocks made with these unit cells. In this thesis, several modulators are presented that are designed using this digital design methodology. A high clock frequency in the giga-hertz range is used to test technology speed. The presented modulators have a small area and low power consumption. A modulator is ported from a 65nm to a 45nm technology in one month without making changes to the unit cells, or IP architecture, proving that this design methodology leads to very portable designs. The generalized system property categorization in quality indicators, and the digitization at different levels of system design, is named the digital design methodology. In this thesis this methodology is successfully applied to SÂż modulators, leading to high quality, mixed-signal SÂż modulator IP, which is more accurate, more robust, more flexible and/or more efficient
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A survey on continuous-time modulators : theory, designs and implementations
Recently, delta-sigma modulation has become a widely applied technique for high-performance analog-to-digital conversion of narrow-band signals. Most of the early designs used discrete-time structure for good accuracy and good linearity. The transfer functions are independent of the clock frequency. However, high unity-gain bandwidths of the opamps are required to satisfy the settling accuracy required in the discrete-time designs. Continuous-time structure can potentially achieve higher clock frequency with less power consumption. the anti-aliasing filter can also be eliminated due to the anti-aliasing property of CT modulators. On the other hand, CT ADC have their own problems, such as jitter sensitivity and excess loop delay. In this thesis, the state-of-the-art of CT modulator is reviewed. The problems in the design of CT ADCs are analyzed and solutions to them are described. The theory, design and implementations of CT modulator will also be reviewed.Keywords: Continuous-Time, Delta-Sigm
Contribution to the design of continuous -time Sigma - Delta Modulators based on time delay elements
The research carried out in this thesis is focused in the development of a new class of data converters for digital radio. There are two main architectures for communication receivers which perform a digital demodulation. One of them is based on analog demodulation to the base band and digitization of the I/Q components. Another option is to digitize the band pass signal at the output of the IF stage using a bandpass Sigma-Delta modulator. Bandpass Sigma- Delta modulators can be implemented with discrete-time circuits, using switched capacitors or continuous-time circuits. The main innovation introduced in this work is the use of passive transmission lines in the loop filter of a bandpass continuous-time Sigma-Delta modulator instead of the conventional solution with gm-C or LC resonators. As long as transmission lines are used as replacement of a LC resonator in RF technology, it seems compelling that transmission lines could improve bandpass continuous-time Sigma-Delta modulators. The analysis of a Sigma- Delta modulator using distributed resonators has led to a completely new family of Sigma- Delta modulators which possess properties inherited both from continuous-time and discretetime Sigma-Delta modulators. In this thesis we present the basic theory and the practical design trade-offs of this new family of Sigma-Delta modulators. Three demonstration chips have been implemented to validate the theoretical developments. The first two are a proof of concept of the application of transmission lines to build lowpass and bandpass modulators. The third chip summarizes all the contributions of the thesis. It consists of a transmission line Sigma-Delta modulator which combines subsampling techniques, a mismatch insensitive circuitry and a quadrature architecture to implement the IF to digital stage of a receiver
Low-voltage low-power continuous-time delta-sigma modulator designs
Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH
Low Noise, Jitter Tolerant Continuous-Time Sigma-Delta Modulator
The demand for higher data rates in receivers with carrier aggregation (CA) such as LTE, increases the efforts to integrate large number of wireless services into single receiving path, so it needs to digitize the signal in intermediate or high frequencies. It relaxes most of the front-end blocks but makes the design of ADC very challenging. Solving the bottleneck associated with ADC in receiver architecture is a major focus of many ongoing researches. Recently, continuous time Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are getting more attention due to their inherent filtering properties, lower power consumption and wider input bandwidth. But, it suffers from several non-idealities such as clock jitter and ELD which decrease the ADC performance.
This dissertation presents two projects that address CT-ÎŁÎ modulator non-idealities. One of the projects is a CT- ÎŁÎ modulator with 10.9 Effective Number of Bits (ENOB) with Gradient Descent (GD) based calibration technique. The GD algorithm is used to extract loop gain transfer function coefficients. A quantization noise reduction technique is then employed to improve the Signal to Quantization Noise Ratio (SQNR) of the modulator using a 7-bit embedded quantizer. An analog fast path feedback topology is proposed which uses an analog differentiator in order to compensate excess loop delay. This approach relaxes the requirements of the amplifier placed in front of the quantizer. The modulator is implemented using a third order loop filter with a feed-forward compensation paths and a 3-bit quantizer in the feedback loop. In order to save power and improve loop linearity a two-stage class-AB amplifier is developed. The prototype modulator is implemented in 0.13ÎŒm CMOS technology, which achieves peak Signal to Noise and Distortion Ratio (SNDR) of 67.5dB while consuming total power of 8.5-mW under a 1.2V supply with an over sampling ratio of 10 at 300MHz sampling frequency. The prototype achieves Walden's Figure of Merit (FoM) of 146fJ/step.
The second project addresses clock jitter non-ideality in Continuous Time Sigma Delta modulators (CT- ÎŁÎM), the modulator suffer from performance degradation due to uncertainty in timing of clock at digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This thesis proposes to split the loop filter into two parts, analog and digital part to reduce the sensitivity of feedback DAC to clock jitter. By using the digital first-order filter after the quantizer, the effect of clock jitter is reduced without changing signal transfer function (STF). On the other hand, as one pole of the loop filter is implemented digitally, the power and area are reduced by minimizing active analog elements. Moreover, having more digital blocks in the loop of CT- ÎŁÎM makes it less sensitive to process, voltage, and temperature variations. We also propose the use of a single DAC with a current divider to implement feedback coefficients instead of two DACs to decrease area and clock routing. The prototype is implemented in TSMC 40 nm technology and occupies 0.06 mm^2 area; the proposed solution consumes 6.9 mW, and operates at 500 MS/s. In a 10 MHz bandwidth, the measured dynamic range (DR), peak signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), and peak signal-to-noise and distortion (SNDR) ratios in presence of 4.5 ps RMS clock jitter (0.22% clock period) are 75 dB, 68 dB, and 67 dB, respectively. The proposed structure is 10 dB more tolerant to clock jitter when compared to the conventional ÎŁÎM design for similar loop filter
Data acquisition techniques based on frequency-encoding applied to capacitive MEMS microphones
MenciĂłn Internacional en el tĂtulo de doctorThis thesis focuses on the development of capacitive sensor readout circuits
and data converters based on frequency-encoding. This research
has been motivated by the needs of consumer electronics industry, which
constantly demands more compact readout circuit for MEMS microphones
and other sensors. Nowadays, data acquisition is mainly based
on encoding signals in voltage or current domains, which is becoming
more challenging in modern deep submicron CMOS technologies.
Frequency-encoding is an emerging signal processing technique based
on encoding signals in the frequency domain. The key advantage of
this approach is that systems can be implemented using mostly-digital
circuitry, which benefits from CMOS technology scaling. Frequencyencoding
can be used to build phase referenced integrators, which can
replace classical integrators (such as switched-capacitor based integrators)
in the implementation of efficient analog-to-digital converters and
sensor interfaces. The core of the phase referenced integrators studied in
this thesis consists of the combination of different oscillator topologies
with counters and highly-digital circuitry.
This work addresses two related problems: the development of capacitive
MEMS sensor readout circuits based on frequency-encoding, and the
design and implementation of compact oscillator-based data converters
for audio applications.
In the first problem, the target is the integration of the MEMS sensor
into an oscillator circuit, making the oscillation frequency dependent on
the sensor capacitance. This way, the sound can be digitized by measuring
the oscillation frequency, using digital circuitry. However, a MEMS
microphone is a complex structure on which several parasitic effects can
influence the operation of the oscillator. This work presents a feasibility
analysis of the integration of a MEMS microphone into different oscillator
topologies. The conclusion of this study is that the parasitics of the
MEMS limit the performance of the microphone, making it inefficient.
In contrast, replacing conventional ADCs with frequency-encoding based
ADCs has proven a very efficient solution, which motivates the next
problem.
In the second problem, the focus is on the development of high-order
oscillator-based Sigma-Delta modulators. Firstly, the equivalence between classical
integrators and phase referenced integrators has been studied, followed
by an overview of state-of-art oscillator-based converters. Then,
a procedure to replace classical integrators by phase referenced integrators
is presented, including a design example of a second-order oscillator based
Sigma-Delta modulator. Subsequently, the main circuit impairments that
limit the performance of this kind of implementations, such as phase
noise, jitter or metastability, are described.
This thesis also presents a methodology to evaluate the impact of
phase noise and distortion in oscillator-based systems. The proposed
method is based on periodic steady-state analysis, which allows the rapid
estimation of the system dynamic range without resorting to transient
simulations. In addition, a novel technique to analyze the impact of
clock jitter in Sigma-Delta modulators is described.
Two integrated circuits have been implemented in 0.13 ÎŒm CMOS
technology to demonstrate the feasibility of high-order oscillator-based Sigma-Delta modulators. Both chips have been designed to feature secondorder
noise shaping using only oscillators and digital circuitry. The first
testchip shows a malfunction in the digital circuitry due to the complexity
of the multi-bit counters. The second chip, implemented using
single-bit counters for simplicity, shows second-order noise shaping and
reaches 103 dB-A of dynamic range in the audio bandwidth, occupying
only 0.04 mm2.Esta tesis se centra en el desarrollo de conversores de datos e interfaces
para sensores capacitivos basados en codificaciĂłn en frecuencia. Esta
investigaciĂłn estĂĄ motivada por las necesidades de la industria, que constantemente
demanda reducir el tamaño de este tipo de circuitos. Hoy en
dĂa, la adquisiciĂłn de datos estĂĄ basada principalmente en la codificaciĂłn
de señales en tensión o en corriente. Sin embargo, la implementación
de este tipo de soluciones en tecnologĂas CMOS nanomĂ©tricas presenta
varias dificultades.
La codificación de frecuencia es una técnica emergente en el procesado
de señales basada en codificar señales en el dominio de la frecuencia.
La principal ventaja de esta alternativa es que los sistemas pueden implementarse
usando circuitos mayoritariamente digitales, los cuales se
benefician de los avances de la tecnologĂa CMOS. La codificaciĂłn en
frecuencia puede emplearse para construir integradores referidos a la
fase, que pueden reemplazar a los integradores clĂĄsicos (como los basados
en capacidades conmutadas) en la implementaciĂłn de conversores
analĂłgico-digital e interfaces de sensores. Los integradores referidos a la
fase estudiados en esta tesis consisten en la combinaciĂłn de diferentes
topologĂas de osciladores con contadores y circuitos principalmente digitales.
Este trabajo aborda dos cuestiones relacionadas: el desarrollo de circuitos
de lectura para sensores MEMS capacitivos basados en codificaciĂłn
temporal, y el diseño e implementación de conversores de datos
compactos para aplicaciones de audio basados en osciladores.
En el primer caso, el objetivo es la integraciĂłn de un sensor MEMS
en un oscilador, haciendo que la frecuencia de oscilaciĂłn depe capacidad del sensor. De esta forma, el sonido puede ser digitalizado
midiendo la frecuencia de oscilaciĂłn, lo cual puede realizarse usando circuitos
en su mayor parte digitales. Sin embargo, un micrĂłfono MEMS es
una estructura compleja en la que mĂșltiples efectos parasĂticos pueden
alterar el correcto funcionamiento del oscilador. Este trabajo presenta
un anĂĄlisis de la viabilidad de integrar un micrĂłfono MEMS en diferentes
topologĂas de oscilador. La conclusiĂłn de este estudio es que los parasĂticos
del MEMS limitan el rendimiento del micrĂłfono, causando que esta
soluciĂłn no sea eficiente. En cambio, la implementaciĂłn de conversores
analĂłgico-digitales basados en codificaciĂłn en frecuencia ha demostrado
ser una alternativa muy eficiente, lo cual motiva el estudio del siguiente
problema.
La segunda cuestiĂłn estĂĄ centrada en el desarrollo de moduladores Sigma-Delta de alto orden basados en osciladores. En primer lugar se ha estudiado
la equivalencia entre los integradores clĂĄsicos y los integradores
referidos a la fase, seguido de una descripciĂłn de los conversores basados
en osciladores publicados en los Ășltimos años. A continuaciĂłn se
presenta un procedimiento para reemplazar integradores clĂĄsicos por integradores
referidos a la fase, incluyendo un ejemplo de diseño de un
modulador Sigma-Delta de segundo orden basado en osciladores. Posteriormente
se describen los principales problemas que limitan el rendimiento de este
tipo de sistemas, como el ruido de fase, el jitter o la metaestabilidad.
Esta tesis también presenta un nuevo método para evaluar el impacto
del ruido de fase y de la distorsiĂłn en sistemas basados en osciladores. El
método propuesto estå basado en simulaciones PSS, las cuales permiten
la rĂĄpida estimaciĂłn del rango dinĂĄmico del sistema sin necesidad de
recurrir a simulaciones temporales. AdemĂĄs, este trabajo describe una
nueva técnica para analizar el impacto del jitter de reloj en moduladores Sigma-Delta.
En esta tesis se han implementado dos circuitos integrados en tecnologĂa
CMOS de 0.13 ÎŒm, con el fin de demostrar la viabilidad de los
moduladores Sigma-Delta de alto orden basados en osciladores. Ambos chips han
sido diseñados para producir conformación espectral de ruido de segundo
orden, usando Ășnicamente osciladores y circuitos mayoritariamente digitales.
El primer chip ha mostrado un error en el funcionamiento de los
circuitos digitales debido a la complejidad de las estructuras multi-bit
utilizadas. El segundo chip, implementado usando contadores de un solo
bit con el fin de simplificar el sistema, consigue conformaciĂłn espectral
de ruido de segundo orden y alcanza 103 dB-A de rango dinĂĄmico en el
ancho de banda del audio, ocupando solo 0.04 mm2.Programa Oficial de Doctorado en IngenierĂa ElĂ©ctrica, ElectrĂłnica y AutomĂĄticaPresidente: Georges G.E. Gielen.- Secretario: JosĂ© Manuel de la Rosa.- Vocal: Ana Rus
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