The low-voltage, high-performance
IC's employed in modern communication products frequently must
employ fully differential signal paths in order to achieve sufficient
signal amplitude with a minimum of power. The Differential Amplifier,
which is the building block for these signal processing circuits,
is the example used in this tutorial which examines simulations
and measurements of Typical Characteristics as well as use of
advanced environment features in the application of a design methodology.
While measurement of basic amplifier characteristics such as Open
Loop gain, frequency response, rejection ratios and amplifier
circuit stability are frequently covered in many forums, specifics
of simulation setup and results analysis are not ordinarily the
focus of these presentations. In addition, advanced analyses,
such as statistical analysis, and Distortion Analysis are usually
covered only when the results are interesting, and not with the
view of developing a complete circuit characterization that might
be useful in enabling Analog Design Reuse.
This tutorial presentation will discuss each measurement, the
simulation test circuits, simulation, and calculations used to
obtain them and a simulation script that can reproduce the "circuit
data sheet" with a minimum of user interaction, for example
when the circuit layout is complete and parasitic elements are
extracted. While this example is based on the Cadence Analog Artist(R)
design environment and the Spectre(R)simulator, users of other
tool sets will be able to apply many of the techniques discussed.
Mr. David is a Principal
Engineer with Cadence Design System's Methodology Services Group,
where he has focused on design and simulation of Analog and Mixed-Signal
circuits, inside the complete Front-to-Back design flow, since
joining the company in 1996. Previously, Mr. David was involved
with design of space-systems for Northrop-Grumman ESSD (formerly
Westinghouse Electric Corp's Electronic Systems Group) in Baltimore,
MD.
Mr. David was granted the MSEE by the University of Maryland,
and the BSEE by Oregon State University. He lives in San Jose
with his wife and two sons, and is a member of a local investment
club, and is an active participant in local IEEE activities.
Place:
Motorola
600 North U.S. Hwy 45
Libertyville, Illinois
Attendance: 6
