B0159 - Integrated Analog Electronics (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to develop the necessary background to deal with the study of analog integrated circuits. Topics covered include short channel effects, elementary amplifier schemes, and some more advanced circuit solutions. At the end of the course, the student is able to: (a) know the characteristics of modern MOS transistors; (b) design voltage and current reference circuits and elementary amplifier; (c) design operational amplifiers starting from specifications of gain, speed, frequency behavior. Concrete examples are presented and commented to develop analysis and design capacity.

Course contents

• The basic physical behavior and compact modeling of integrated MOSFET transistors. Second order effects.
• Basic building blocks of analog integrated circuits: MOS current mirrors and active-load single-stage amplifiers. Cascode amplifier.
• Fundamental principles of basic opamp design.
• Stability and feedback in electronic systems.
  
• 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.
• Examples of amplifiers and analog filters circuits.

Readings/Bibliography

It is very important to study personal notes and supplementary teaching materials (examples and exercises) made available online in Virtuale. It is also recommended to consult the following texts:

• P.R. Gray, P.J Hurst, S.H Lewis, R.G. Meyer, "Analysis and Design of analog integrated circuits", 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2009
• T. C. Carusone, D.A. Johns, K. Martin, "Analog Integrated Circuit Design" 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.

Teaching methods

The teaching method is based on lectures and exercises on topics related to the analysis and design of integrated analog blocks and operational amplifiers.

Detailed examples will be extensively used to develop analytical skills of the students and their capacity to analyze and design simple electronic systems.

Weekly homework will be provided. The most complex exercises will be solved in class to compare the proposed solutions and resolve any difficulties encountered by the students.

Assessment methods

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

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.

Students with DSA or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). The office will be responsible for proposing any adaptations, which must be submitted for the teacher's approval at least 15 days in advance. The teacher will assess the appropriateness of the adaptations in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Slides, computer simulations examples.

Office hours

See the website of Nicolò Attilio Speciale