A 12-b 5-Msample/s two-step CMOS A/D converter

Two-step flash architectures are an effective means of realizing high-speed high-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) because they can be implemented without the need for operational amplifiers having either high gain or a large output swing. Moreover, with conversion rates approaching half those of fully parallel designs, such half-flash architectures provide both a relatively small input capacitance and low power dissipation. The authors describe the design of a 12-b 5-Msample/s A/D converter that is based on a two-step flash topology and has been integrated in a 1- mu m CMOS technology. Configured as a fully differential circuit, the converter performs a 7-b coarse flash conversion followed by a 6-b fine flash conversion. Both analog and digital error correction are used to achieve a resolution of 12 b. The converter dissipates only 200 mW from a single 5-V supply and occupies an area of 2.5 mm * 3.7 mm.<>