A vertically integrated tool for automated design of ΣΔ modulators

We present a tool that starting from high-level specifications of switched-capacitor (SC) /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulators calculates optimum specifications for their building blocks and then optimum sizes for the block schematics. At both design levels, optimization is performed using statistical techniques to enable global design and innovative heuristics for increased computer efficiency as compared with conventional statistical optimization. The tool uses an equation-based approach at the modulator level, a simulation-based approach at the cell level, and incorporates an advanced /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ behavioral simulator for monitoring and design space exploration. We include measurements taken from two silicon prototypes: (1) a 16 b @ 16 kHz output rate second-order /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulator; and (2) a 17 b @ 40 kHz output rate fourth-order /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulator. Both use SC fully differential circuits and were designed using the proposed tool and manufactured in a 1.2 /spl mu/m CMOS double-metal double-poly technology.>