A tool for automated design of sigma-delta modulators using statistical optimization

A tool is presented which starting from high-level specifications of switched capacitor (SC) /spl Sigma/-/spl Delta/ modulators calculates first optimum specifications for the building blocks, and then, optimum sizes for their schematics. At both design levels (high-level synthesis and cell dimensioning), optimization is performed using statistical techniques and innovative heuristics, which allow global design and increased computer efficiency as compared to conventional statistical optimization techniques. The tool has been conceived to be flexible at the high-level part and completely open at the cell-design part. The performance of the tool is demonstrated via the automatic design of a 16-bits-dynamic range, 8-kHz second-order SC /spl Sigma/-/spl Delta/ modulator in 1.2-/spl mu/m CMOS technology, for which measurements on a fabricated prototype are reported.<
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