34986 - Electronic Systems (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

The course presents a discussion of the wide array of knowledge required for integrated circuit design, with emphasis on the most important and fundamental principles in creating state-of-the-art analog circuits. Covered topics include short channel effects, fundamental amplifiers, rail-to-rail and CMFB schemes. After completing the course, students will be able to: (a) discuss the operation of a MOS transistor in weak, moderate, and strong inversion, (b) design voltage and current references, amplifiers, and differential amplifiers, (c) design op-amps for specific gain, speed or switching performance. Detailed examples will be extensively used to develop analytical skills of the students and their capacity to analyze and design simple electronic systems, with enphasis on energy and climate monitoring applications.

Course contents

• The basic physical behavior and compact modeling for integrated MOSFET transistors. Second order effects.
• Basic building blocks of analog integrated circuits: MOS current mirrors and active-load single-stage amplifiers.
• Noise analysis and modeling.
• Fundamental principles of basic opamp design.
• Stability of electronic systems.
• Study of compensation techniques needed to ensure stability in closed-loop amplifiers, slew rate, zeroing systematic input offset voltage and process-insensitive lead compensation.
• Detailed analysis of the classical two-stage CMOS opamp.
• Cascode and fully-differential opamp schemes.
• Analog filter design examples.

Readings/Bibliography

• J. Millman, A. Grabel, P. Terreni, "Elettronica di Millman", McGraw-Hill
• P.R. Gray, P.J Hurst, S.H Lewis, R.G. Meyer, "Analysis and Design of analog integrated circuits", John Wiley & Sons.
• D.A. Johns, K. Martin, "Analog Integrated Circuit Design" John Wiley & Sons, 1997.

Teaching methods

Lectures and exercices on topics related to the analysis and design of analog building blocks and operational amplifier.

Detailed examples will be extensively used to develop analytical skills of the students and their capacity to analyze and design simple electronic systems, with enphasis on energy and climate monitoring applications.

 

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of a final written exam (2hours). No books, laptops, Internet appliances, smart phones, can be used during exams. 

In order to properly assess the learning outcomes described above, the examination is composed of two exercices, and the total max score is 30 (min score is 18).

An optional oral session on the topics of the carried out lectures is possible upon request of the student.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to at least demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject, and a proper use of technical language. 

Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate a firm understanding of the subject and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Teaching tools

Slides, computer simulations examples. Homework assignment.

Office hours

See the website of Nicolò Attilio Speciale