Automatic design of Sigma Delta modulators from specifications to silicon

We present a tool developed as part of the ESPRIT-AD2000 Project which, starting from high-level specifications of SC Sigma 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 approaches. We include measurements taken from a 17 bit @ 40 kHz prototype of an SC fully-differential fourth-order Sigma Delta modulator which was designed using the proposed tool for a 1.2 mu m CMOS double-metal double-poly technology.<
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