Design methodology for power-efficient SC delta-sigma modulators based on switched-VMAs

Abstract

In this work a new design methodology for the low-power design of switched-capacitors delta-sigma modulators using the recently introduced switched-variable-mirror amplifiers (SVMAs) is presented. The effectiveness of the methodology is demonstrated for a third-order single-loop single-bit delta-sigma modulator employing SVMAs designed in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology. Results show that the proposed methodology allows for the design of state-of-the-art high-resolution ADCs while greatly boosting design cycles by removing the need for time consuming full electrical simulations.