23131 - Electronics for Analogic Signal Processing

Learning outcomes

The course builds upon the knowledge obtained by the students in the previous modules of analog electronics and aims at showing how complex information processing and signal synthesis tasks can be practised in the analog domain.

At the end of the course, the student shall have a strong competence with regards to methods for the analysis and synthesis of oscillators as well as methods for analysis and synthesis of discrete-time analog circuits for signal processing. Furthermore, the student shall have acquired basic notions about oscillators producing complex-dynamics end he will know about the architecture of programmable analog circuits.

In the context of the course, a special effort will be put in making constant reference to key themes in analog design, such as low voltage circuits, reconfigurable analog systems, testing methodologies. Also, the course will give mention to topics meant to introduce the students to themes of academic research interest.

Course contents

• Introduction

Design of circuits for the generation of signals

• Tools for the analysis and synthesis of oscillators

• Multivibrators

• Hints about circuits for the synthesis of aperiodic and chaotic signals

Design of signal processing circuits that do not include resistors

• gm-C and switched capacitor architectures

Analog, discrete-time circuits

• Background

• Switched capacitor circuits

• Switched current circuits

Introduction to programmable analog circuits

• FPAAs

Readings/Bibliography

The main reference material that the students should consider is their own notes taken during the lectures. In fact, the course discusses and summarizes different topics, and consequently it is not possible to give reference to a single didactic textbook.

However, during the course the teacher shall suggest:

• Books useful to the students willing to go in depth on specific topics

• Articles recently appeared on international scientific journals

Teaching methods

The course consists in:

• Theory lectures.
• Computer demos.
  
• Exercises resolved by the teacher.

Assessment methods

The assessment is done by an oral final exam.

If the number of students in the course turns out to be larger than 40, the final oral exam will possibly be changed into a written test.

Willing students, not exceeding the number of 10 units, can substitute the discussion of a small essay prepared by themselves on a topic of the course for one of the questions of the oral exam.

Teaching tools

• Personal computer

Simulation software

• Circuit level (Spice like: LT Spice)

• System level (Matlab/Simulink like: Scilab/Scicos)

• Video projector

Office hours

See the website of Sergio Callegari