Short Course: High-Speed and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Techniques in FinFET Technology for Wireline and Optical Interface Applications

Getting the best possible performance from analog and mixed-signal circuits requires a strong understanding of the underlying IC technology. Advanced FinFET CMOS technologies have the potential for excellent analog and mixed-signal performance. However, these technologies have many pitfalls for the unwary designer: highly restrictive design rules, thin metal layers, and device self-heating, to name a few problems. This talk explores how to capture the benefits and avoid the problems of FinFET technology in high-speed wireline communications circuits. The talk begins with a brief introduction to wireline communications circuits. Then it discusses FinFET technology and the impact to high-speed wireline circuits. A set of example circuit designs in 14nm FinFET are reviewed, studying system, circuit, and layout details. Finally, the talk concludes with a set of tips and techniques to get the most out of FinFET technologies.