Background Cancellation of Noise and Harmonic Distortion in Analog-to-Digital Converters

目的：在深亚微米工艺中，高精度模拟电路的设计变得越来越困难。特别地，由于高阶非线性引起的误差是实现高分辨率模数转换器（ADC）的限制因素。 估计非线性项的传统方法需要输出信号的高阶统计量，并且涉及复杂的信号处理技术，这可能会掩盖数字校准的好处。本研究的目的是使用创新的数字校准技术，在模拟设计中以最小的开销补偿噪声和谐波。该研究包括奈奎斯特速率ADC中新型校准技术的设计、制造和概念验证。智力价值：这项研究将导致深亚微米技术中模拟电路设计的突破，传统的电路设计技术无法达到所需的性能。 所提出的技术还将导致功耗的显著降低和效率的提高。虽然校准技术将在奈奎斯特速率ADC中演示，但它们本质上是通用的，可以在任何模拟块中使用，只需最小的修改。更广泛的影响：这项研究在用于诊断和预后目的的多标准无线系统和生物植入式系统中具有很好的应用前景。本研究的成果将被用于一个新的研究生课程，重点是先进的数字信号处理技术在提高模拟电路性能的应用。该项目的跨学科性质，结合了模拟电路设计，数字VLSI设计和数字信号处理的知识，将为本科生提供几个高级设计项目的绝佳机会。

Objective:The design of highly accurate analog circuits becomes increasingly difficult in deep submicron technology. In particular, errors due to high-order nonlinearities are the limiting factors in achieving high resolution analog-to-digital convertors (ADCs). Conventional methods of estimating nonlinear terms needs higher order statistics of the output signal and involve complicated signalprocessing techniques that can overshadow the benefits of digital calibration. The objective of this research is to use innovative digital calibration techniques for compensation of noise and harmonics with minimal overhead in the analog design. The research includes design, fabrication and proof-of-concept of the novel calibration techniques incorporated in a Nyquist-rate ADC.Intellectual merit:This research will lead to breakthroughs in the design of analog circuits in deep submicron technologies where traditional circuit design techniques are unable to achieve the required performance. The proposed techniques will also result in significant reduction in power consumption and increased efficiency. Although the calibration techniques will be demonstrated in a Nyquist-rate ADC, they are generic in nature and can be used in any analog block with minimal modifications.Broader Impact: This research has promising applications in multi-standard wireless systems and bio-implantable systems used for diagnosis and prognosis purposes. The outcome of this research will be used in a new graduate course focusing on application of advanced digital-signal processing techniques in enhancing performance of analog circuits. The interdisciplinary nature of the project which combines the knowledge of analog circuit design, digital VLSI design and digital signal processing will provide excellent opportunities for several senior design projects for undergraduate students.