35148 - Electronics for analogic signal processing (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, students will possess useful knowledge about the design of analog electronic modules and sub-systems for signal synthesis and processing.

Specifically, they will:

• know how to design a variety of modules for signal synthesis such as sinusoidal and relaxation oscillators, generators for complex and aperiodic waveforms, crystal oscillator, timers and monostable multivibrators;

• be able to design signal processing modules either based on the continuous or the discrete time approach. Particularly, they will know how to design switched capacitor and switched current circuits;

• know the basic lines under which low-depth discrete-value signals are generated either for signal coding or to drive switched mode power converters in high efficiency applications.

Course contents

Part 1: introduction to signal synthesis and processing by analog circuits

Part 2: Design of signal synthesis circuits

• Analysis and design of quasi-sinusoidal oscillators

• Quartz oscillators

• Relaxation oscillators

• Astable multivibrators

• Monostable multivibrators and timers

• Hints on circuits for the synthesis of aperiodic and chaotic waveforms

Part 3: Design of resistorless signal processing circuits

• gm-C architectures

• Discrete time analog circuits

• Basic design principles

• Switched capacitor circuits

• Switched current circuits

• Synthesis of analog discrete-time circuits from continuous time prototypes

Part 4: Modulation techniques in the synthesis of low depth discrete-valued signals

• PWM modulations

• PDM and Delta-Sigma modulations

• Applications to the coding of analog waveforms

• Applications to actuation and high efficiency power conversion

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 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 practiced 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

During the course, the following teaching aids will be used

• Personal computer and simulation software to demonstrate the fundamental concepts

• Circuit level simulation (Spice-like: LT Spice)

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

• Video projector and slides

Office hours

See the website of Sergio Callegari