MSc thesis project proposal

Broadband sigma-delta modulation (NXP)

Over the last two decades, the bandwidth of sigma-delta modulators has exceeded more than hundreds of MHz. The state-of-the-art sigma-modulators use combination of circuit techniques, advanced technology nodes and digital calibration to achieve wide bandwidth conversion. However, to achieve bandwidth greater than a few GHz, groundbreaking circuit design techniques must be developed. In this MSc thesis you will work on circuit techniques to increase the bandwidth of a sigma-delta modulator.

In this master thesis project you will do/learn:

  • In depth study of ADC (or DAC) architecture
  • Design of analog and mixed-signal circuits in 28nm CMOS
  • Circuit simulations with Spectre (or other simulator)
  • Layout design of circuits and simulation of extracted layout
  • Build understanding of impact of process imperfections and parasitic artifacts on performance

A stipend is provided.

Assignment

Overview of the project planning (depending on the progress of the student):

  • Literature review of the recent high-speed data converters.
  • System level study of the proposed ADC architecture in Matlab/Cadence.
  • Circuit and layout implementation.
  • Tape-out of the IC followed by measurement.
  • Process node: 28nm HPCP.
  • Target tape-out date: June 2025

Requirements

  • Good knowledge of analog and mixed circuit design.
  • Good understanding of Data Converters.
  • Familiarity with Matlab and Cadence.
  • You will be collaborating with researchers from NXP Semiconductors so good communication and presentation skills are essential.

Contact

dr.ir. Muhammed Bolatkale

Electronic Instrumentation Group

Department of Microelectronics

Last modified: 2024-02-07