Constraint satisfaction modules : a methodology for analog circuit design

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-122).This dissertation describes a methodology for solving convex constraint problems using analog circuits. It demonstrates how this methodology can be used to design circuits that solve function-fitting problems through iterated gradient descent. In particular, it shows how to build a small circuit that can model a nonlinearity by observation, and predistort to compensate for this nonlinearity. The system fits into a broader effort to investigate non-traditional approaches to circuit design. First, it breaks the traditional input-output abstraction barrier; all ports are bidirectional. Second, it uses a different methodology for proving system stability with local rather than global properties. Such stability arguments can be scaled to much more complex systems than traditional stability criteria.by Piotr Mitros.Ph.D

A framework for analog circuit optimization

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2004.Includes bibliographical references (p. 49-50).This thesis presents a system for optimization of analog circuit topologies and component values. The topology is optimized using simulated annealing, while the component values are optimized using gradient descent. Local minima are avoided and constraints are kept through the use of coordinate transformations, as well as the use of default starting points for component values. The system is targeted for use in 3D integrated circuit design. The architecture is extendable, and is designed to eventually include capabilities for automated layout and mixed-signal design.by Piotr Mitros.M.Eng