AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module introduces the fundamental CMOS analog circuit building blocks and operational amplifier (op-amp) topologies. It covers essential topics in circuit analysis and design, as well as the principles and implementation of data conversion circuits.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide advanced knowledge and design skills in the field of CMOS analog integrated circuits, enabling students to analyze, design, simulate, and critically evaluate analog electronic systems used in modern microelectronic applications.

Through lectures, laboratory activities, design exercises, and individual study, at the end of the course the student will be able to:

• explain the operating principles and limitations of MOS transistors in analog integrated circuit applications;
• analyze CMOS analog circuits using both large-signal and small-signal models;
• design and dimension current mirrors, biasing networks, active loads, and differential amplifiers according to given specifications;
• evaluate the gain, frequency response, bandwidth, noise, stability, and power consumption of analog integrated circuits;
• design single-stage and multistage amplifiers and justify the adopted design choices through quantitative analysis;
• apply feedback theory to analog electronic systems and assess its effects on performance, stability, and robustness;
• analyze and design CMOS operational amplifiers, output stages, voltage references, and current references;
• compare different analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion architectures and identify the most suitable solution for a given application;
• use professional CAD tools to simulate analog integrated circuits;
• critically assess the impact of process variations and device mismatches on circuit performance and reliability;
• communicate design methodologies, simulation results, and engineering trade-offs using appropriate technical terminology.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of classroom lectures, guided design activities, and laboratory sessions using professional electronic design automation (EDA) tools.

Lectures provide the theoretical foundations necessary for the analysis and design of analog CMOS integrated circuits. During laboratory sessions students will perform simulation, verification, and optimization activities on representative analog building blocks and complete design exercises based on realistic engineering specifications.

Students are expected to actively participate in the proposed activities and to carry out autonomous study, circuit analysis, and simulation exercises.

Students with certified Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor and the appropriate University support services at the beginning of the course in order to discuss possible accommodations, while preserving the learning objectives of the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Part 1 – MOS Transistor Fundamentals

• Review of MOS transistor physics and operation.
• Large-signal MOS models.
• Small-signal MOS models.
• CMOS technology overview.

Part 2 – Biasing and Current Processing Circuits

• Current sources and sinks.
• Basic and advanced current mirrors.
• Active loads.
• Bias generation networks.
• Effects of mismatch and process variations.

Part 3 – Amplification Stages

• Differential pair operation.
• Differential and common-mode gain.
• Single-stage CMOS amplifiers.
• Cascode structures.
• Multistage amplifiers.
• Gain enhancement techniques.

Part 4 – Frequency Response and Stability

• Frequency response of analog circuits.
• Poles and zeros.
• Bandwidth limitations.
• Feedback theory.
• Stability criteria.
• Frequency compensation techniques.
• Miller compensation.

Part 5 – Operational Amplifiers

• CMOS operational amplifier architectures.
• Two-stage operational amplifiers.
• Folded-cascode architectures.
• Output stages.
• Slew rate and large-signal behavior.
• Design trade-offs.

Part 6 – References and Noise

• Voltage reference circuits.
• Current reference circuits.
• Bandgap references.
• Noise mechanisms in CMOS circuits.

Part 7 – Data Conversion Fundamentals

• Basic sampling concepts.
• Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs).
• Flash, SAR, and Sigma-Delta architectures.
• Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs).
• Static and dynamic performance metrics.

Part 8 – CAD-Based Design and Verification

• Circuit simulation methodologies.
• DC, AC, transient, and noise analyses.
• Monte Carlo simulations.
• Corner analysis.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Teaching material, lecture notes, simulation examples, and additional resources will be made available through the course AulaWeb page.

Main textbooks:

• A. S. Sedra, K. C. Smith, Microelectronic Circuits, Oxford University Press.
• R. C. Jaeger, T. N. Blalock, Microelectronic Circuit Design.

Additional references:

• B. Razavi, Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits, McGraw-Hill.
• F. Maloberti, Analog Design for CMOS VLSI Systems, Springer.
• Y. Tsividis, Mixed Analog-Digital VLSI Devices and Technology, World Scientific.
• N. H. E. Weste, D. Harris, CMOS VLSI Design – A Circuit and Systems Perspective.

Lecture notes and laboratory material are sufficient for exam preparation; textbooks are recommended for further study and deeper understanding of the topics.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of:

1. a written and/or practical design-oriented test involving circuit analysis, sizing procedures, interpretation of simulation results, and solution of design problems;
2. an oral examination focused on theoretical concepts, design methodologies, and critical discussion of analog circuit architectures.

The written/practical component must be passed before accessing the oral examination, if required by the instructor.

Detailed information regarding examination dates and organization will be provided through AulaWeb and during lectures.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment is designed to verify the achievement of the expected learning outcomes.

In particular:

• the written/practical test evaluates the student's ability to analyze analog CMOS circuits, perform calculations, interpret simulation results, and solve design problems under specified constraints;
• laboratory and design activities assess the student's capability to use professional CAD tools for circuit simulation;
• the oral examination evaluates the student's understanding of theoretical concepts, ability to justify design choices, capacity to compare alternative circuit solutions, and ability to discuss engineering trade-offs critically and rigorously.

Particular attention is paid to:

• correctness of circuit analysis;
• ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical design problems;
• critical evaluation of circuit performance;
• use of appropriate technical terminology;
• autonomy of judgment in selecting and justifying design solutions;
• ability to communicate technical arguments clearly and effectively.