Program >> Fernando Silveira (Universidad de La Republica, Uruguay)


Speaker
Fernando Silveira (Universidad de La Republica, Uruguay)

Title
Intuitive and power optimized analog and RF CMOS design based on gm/ID and drain current density

Abstract
This lecture addresses transistor level design of analog and RF CMOS circuits. First, the design methodology based on the transconductance to current ratio (gm/ID) and the drain current density is reviewed [1,2]. It is shown the role of gm/ID ratio as a key variable with variation in a small range that allows to efficiently explore the MOS transistor design space in all regions of inversion (weak, moderate and strong) and to select the size and bias point, while considering the trade-offs regarding power – bandwidth – precision (matching, gain) – signal range and noise. The result is a very didactical approach to CMOS analog and RF design that allows to minimize the trial and error iterations on the design by giving the designer a clear view on how to move in the design space. This quality made that the method has been adopted in various universities worlwide. The key relationship applied for the design (between gm/ID and current density) can be obtained from analytical models, simulation or measurements, making the approach particularly suitable for nanometer and non-standard technologies where an analytical model is complex or unavailable. The lecture is illustrated with the design and power optimization of analog and RF circuits in technologies down to below 100nm channel length and post CMOS-devices applying this method.
1. F. Silveira, D. Flandre, P.G.A. Jespers, "A gm/ID Based Methodology for the Design of CMOS Analog Circuits and its Application to the Synthesis of a Silicon-on-Insulator Micropower OTA", IEEE Journal of Solid State Circuits, Vol. 31, No. 9, Sept. 1996, pp. 1314 – 1319.
2. P.G.A. Jespers, “The gm/ID Methodology, A Sizing Tool for Low-voltage Analog CMOS Circuits”, Springer 2010.

SHORT CVs
Fernando Silveira (S’89- M’90- SM’03) received the Electrical Engineering degree from Universidad de la República, Uruguay in 1990 and the MSc. and PhD degree in Microelectronics from Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium in, respectively, 1995 and 2002. He is Professor at Universidad de la República, Uruguay. His research interests are in design of ultra low-power analog and RF integrated circuits and systems, in particular with biomedical application. In this field, he is co-author of one book and many technical articles and advised Masters and PhD thesis. He has acted as invited plenary speaker at various events and served as reviewer of several journals and conferences. ??He has multiple industrial activities with CCC Medical Devices and NanoWattICs, including leading the design of an ASIC for implantable pacemakers, applied in industrial production and designing analog circuit modules for implantable devices for various companies worldwide (USA, Israel, Europe and Canada) that are part of medical devices which are currently under human clinical evaluation, mainly related to the cardiovascular and neural fields. He was member of the Technical Advisory Board of Gtronix, Inc, USA from 2006 to 2010. Dr. Silveira received the “Ingeniero Destacado” (Distinguished Engineer) award by the Uruguayan Association of Engineers in 2007 and was a member for 2011-2012 of the Distinguished Lecturers Program of the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society.