Analog Design for Reuse - Case Study: Very Low-voltage ∆Σ Modulator

This paper presents the complete design methodology of a very low-voltage ∆Σ third-order modulator from highlevel specifications down to layout. Behavioral models taking into account cell non-idealities are developed and used to map performance specifications to lower levels. Emphasis has been made on eventual design reuse through design plans and layout templates in a layout-oriented circuit design approach. The modulator has been designed for two different technologies demonstrating the suitability of the methodology for very high performance mixed-signal circuits. Moreover, the same design knowledge has been successfully reused in another fourth-order modulator.