CICC 2000 Ed Sessions: Session 1

Current Issues in IC Design

Moderator: Douglas Garrity, Motorola

E1-1 - 8:00-9:50

Modeling for Circuit Simulation
Colin McAndrew, Motorola

This course reviews topics in modeling for circuit simulation, with an emphasis on statistical modeling. The fundamental design requirements for modeling will be reviewed, as will the often unstated and unverified assumptions that underlie component modeling and characterization. A list of issues to take into account when defining the test structures to be measured for SPICE model characterization will be presented. Non-technical issues that relate to modeling will be discussed. Generic aspects of modeling that will be covered include: a proper physical process and geometry parameter-dependent modeling foundation; what is (and is not) a "parameter"; the principle of asymptotic correctness; and how to make trade-offs in modeling to best meet design needs. It will be shown how process and geometry- dependent models lead to a natural and accurate basis for statistical modeling, both for global (inter-die) and mismatch (intra-die) variations. Efficient techniques for global and mismatch statistical model characterization, based on simple measurements relevant to circuit design, will be presented. Finally, a simple and reliable procedure for verifying that simulation models accurately represent manufacturing will be reviewed.

E1-2 - 10:10-12:00

High Speed D/A Converter Design
Doug Mercer, Analog Devices, Inc.

Digital communication systems have spawned a growing interest in high performance, high speed Digital to Analog Converter designs which can be easily integrated into larger mixed signal systems.

The tutorial will be presented in three parts.

1) A brief review of D/A basics including a description of the D/A function and the key specifications that define the performance of a D/A.

2) A review of common D/A architectures focusing particularly on those that offer the best high-speed performance. The advantages and disadvantages of each will discussed.

3) We will conclude with case studies of bipolar, BiCMOS and CMOS implementations.

E1-3 - 1:00-2:50

Design of Pipelined Analog-to-Digital Converters
Pat Rakers, Motorola

This tutorial presents the design of pipelined ADCs. A basic review of ADC specifications includes a segment on wireless receiver ADC specs. The pipeline ADC is compared and contrasted with other ADC architectures. A detailed description of switched capacitor pipelined ADCs is presented. Case studies include the use of calibration to improve performance. Finally, ADC testing is covered.

E1-4 - 3:10-5:00

Theory and Design of Crystal Oscillators
Professor Eric Vittoz, CSEM

After describing crystal resonators and their equivalent circuit, this lecture will briefly introduce a general theory of crystal oscillators: how to split the circuit for an accurate analysis including nonlinear effects; condition and frequency of oscillation; start-up time and amplitude limitation mechanisms. It will then focus on the particular but most frequent case of "3-point" oscillators: linear analysis with and without losses; frequency and amplitude of oscillation; elimination of unwanted modes; frequency stability, phase noise and frequency tuning. Various practical implementations will finally be discussed: grounded drain ("1-pin" oscillator) and grounded source circuits; bad and good CMOS-inverter oscillators; amplitude limitation and output amplifiers.