Mixed-signal design methodology for continuous-time quadrature bandpass Delta Sigma modulator
Résumé
Continuous-time (CT) quadrature bandpass (QBP) delta-sigma ($\Delta\Sigma$) modulator is already in itself a mixed-signal system. That fact creates a discontinuity in the traditional IC design flow which assumes that discrete and continuous time domain designs require separate design tools. This paper presents an efficient top-down methodology for mixed-signal design. We report the design process from the system-level down to gate/transistor-level; modeling and simulation are applied to the $\Delta\Sigma$modulator. We have verified the robustness and effectiveness of our approach which resulted in shorter design process cycles and higher rates of success.