This book consists of the research, design and implementation, from sizing to layout with parasitic extraction and yield estimation, of a low-power, low-noise amplifier for biomedical and healthcare applications of bio-potential signals, particularly focusing on the electromyography and electrooculography. These signals usually operate in different broadbands, yet follow an impulse-shape transmission, hence being suitable to be applied and detected by the same receiver.
"Low noise amplifiers are classified into two categories: Wideband low noise amplifiers and Narrowband low noise amplifiers. Wideband LNAs are known for achieving a poor noise performance. On the other hand, the noise performance of the narrowband amplifiers is good but only over a small frequency range. This constraint made their use restricted to certain applications, such as cellular phone applications (superheterodyne architecture), where a single operational frequency is needed. This thesis introduces a new low noise amplifier topology that provides a high selectivity and a low noise figure over a wide frequency range. The digitally tunable low noise amplifier can be implemented in narrowband applications as well as broadband applications, This thesis discusses in detail the design of the DTLNA. A detailed noise analysis is also discussed in this work. The noise analysis includes the effect of induced gate noise in CMOS, which is rarely cited but nonetheless of fundamental importance in establishing the limits of achievable noise performance. In addition, this thesis demonstrates the performance results of the digitally tunable low noise amplifier. These results prove that the overall performance of the DTLNA surpasses the performance of both wideband and narrowband amplifiers"--Abstract.
With a combination of engineering approaches and neurophysiological knowledge of the central nervous system, a new generation of medical devices is being developed to link groups of neurons with microelectronic systems. By doing this, researchers are acquiring fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms of disease and innovating treatments for disabilities in patients who have a failure of communication along neural pathways. A low-noise and low-power analog front-end circuit is one of the primary requirements for neural recording. The main function for the front-end amplifier is to provide gain over the bandwidth of neural signals and to reject undesired frequency components. The chip developed in this thesis is a field-programmable analog front-end amplifier consisting of 16 programmable channels with tunable frequency response. A capacitively coupled two-stage amplifier is used. The first-stage amplifier is a Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA), as it directly interfaces with the neural recording micro-electrodes; the second stage is a high gain and high swing amplifier. A MOS resistor in the feedback path is used to get tunable low-cut-off frequency and reject the dc offset voltage. Our design builds upon previous recording chips designed by two former graduate stu- dents in our lab. In our design, the circuits are optimized for low noise. Our simulations show the recording channel has a gain of 77.9 dB and input-referred noise of 6.95 [mu]V rms(Root-Mean-Square voltage) over 750 Hz to 6.9 kHz. The chip is fabricated in AMS 0.35 [mu]m CMOS technology for a total die area of 3 x 3 mm 2 and Total Power Dissipation (TPD) of 2.9 mW. To verify the functionality and adherence to the design specifications it will be tested on Printed-Circuit-Board.
This book is the first standalone book that combines research into low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) with research into millimeter-wave circuits. In compiling this book, the authors have set two research objectives. The first is to bring together the research context behind millimeter-wave circuit operation and the theory of low-noise amplification. The second is to present new research in this multi-disciplinary field by dividing the common LNA configurations and typical specifications into subsystems, which are then optimized separately to suggest improvements in the current state-of-the-art designs. To achieve the second research objective, the state-of-the-art LNA configurations are discussed and the weaknesses of state-of the art configurations are considered, thus identifying research gaps. Such research gaps, among others, point towards optimization – at a systems and microelectronics level. Optimization topics include the influence of short wavelength, layout and crosstalk on LNA performance. Advanced fabrication technologies used to decrease the parasitics of passive and active devices are also explored, together with packaging technologies such as silicon-on-chip and silicon-on-package, which are proposed as alternatives to traditional IC implementation. This research outcome builds through innovation. Innovative ideas for LNA construction are explored, and alternative design methodologies are deployed, including LNA/antenna co-design or utilization of the electronic design automation in the research flow. The book also offers the authors’ proposal for streamlined automated LNA design flow, which focuses on LNA as a collection of highly optimized subsystems.
Cutting-edge techniques for ultra-wideband, low-noise amplifier design This pioneering resource presents alternatives for implementing power- and area-efficient integrated low-noise amplifiers for ultra-wideband communications. Design methodologies for distributed amplifiers, feedback amplifiers, inductor structures with reduced area, and inductorless techniques are discussed. Cowritten by international experts in industry and academia, this book addresses the state of the art in integrated circuit design in the context of emerging systems. Design of Low-Noise Amplifiers for Ultra-Wideband Communications covers: Ultra-wideband overview and system approach Distributed amplifiers Wideband low-noise amplifiers Feedback wideband low-noise amplifiers Inductorless techniques
This volume presents the 5th European Conference of the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (EMBEC), held in Budapest, 14-18 September, 2011. The scientific discussion on the conference and in this conference proceedings include the following issues: - Signal & Image Processing - ICT - Clinical Engineering and Applications - Biomechanics and Fluid Biomechanics - Biomaterials and Tissue Repair - Innovations and Nanotechnology - Modeling and Simulation - Education and Professional
Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) are commonly used to amplify signals that are too weak for direct processing for example in radio or cable receivers. Traditionally, low noise amplifiers are implemented via tuned amplifiers, exploiting inductors and capacitors in resonating LC-circuits. This can render very low noise but only in a relatively narrow frequency band close to resonance. There is a clear trend to use more bandwidth for communication, both via cables (e.g. cable TV, internet) and wireless links (e.g. satellite links and Ultra Wideband Band). Hence wideband low-noise amplifier techniques are very much needed. Wideband Low Noise Amplifiers Exploiting Thermal Noise Cancellation explores techniques to realize wideband amplifiers, capable of impedance matching and still achieving a low noise figure well below 3dB. This can be achieved with a new noise cancelling technique as described in this book. By using this technique, the thermal noise of the input transistor of the LNA can be cancelled while the wanted signal is amplified! The book gives a detailed analysis of this technique and presents several new amplifier circuits. This book is directly relevant for IC designers and researchers working on integrated transceivers. Although the focus is on CMOS circuits, the techniques can just as well be applied to other IC technologies, e.g. bipolar and GaAs, and even in discrete component technologies.
This book provides comprehensive coverage of different aspects of low-power circuit synthesis for IoT applications at various levels of the design hierarchy, starting from the layout level to the system level. For a seamless understanding of the subject, the basics of MOS circuits have been introduced at the transistor, gate and circuit level, followed by various low-power design methodologies, such as supply voltage scaling, switched capacitance minimization techniques, and leakage power minimization approaches. The contents of this book are useful to students, researchers, as well as practicing engineers. Low-power architectures refer to the latest development in computer microchips which are created by integrating hundreds of thousands of transistors on one chip for different IoT applications. Emerging research in this area has the potential to uncover further applications for IoT in addition to system advancements.
