A 1 GHz OTA-based low-pass filter with a high-speed automatic tuning scheme

A continuous-time 4th-order equiripple linear phase G
_m
-C filter with an automatic tuning circuit is presented. A high speed OTA based on the inverter structure is realized. The combined CMFF and CMFB circuit ensures the input and output common-mode stability. The gain performance could be maintained by combining a negative resistor at the output nodes. Transconductance tuning can be achieved by adjusting the bulk voltage by using the Deep-NWELL technology. Through the use of the OTA as a building block with a modified automatic tuning scheme, the filter -3 dB cutoff frequency is 1 GHz with the group delay less than 4% variation up to 1.5 fc frequency. The -43 dB of IM3 at filter cutoff frequency is obtained with -4 dbm two tone signals. Implemented in 0.18-mum CMOS process, the chip occupies 1mm
²
and consumes 175 mW at a 1.5-V supply voltage.