TABLE OF CONTENTS The evolution of very large-scale integration (VLSI) technology has developed to the point where millions of transistors can be integrated on a single die or "chip." Where integrated circuits once filled the role of subsystem components, partitioned at analog digital boundaries, they now integrate complete systems on a chip by combining both analog and digital functions [ [1]]. Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology has been the mainstay in mixed-signal [*] implementations because it provides density and power savings on the digital side, and a good mix of components for analog design. By reason of its widespread use, CMOS technology is the subject of this text.
Due in part to the regularity and granularity of digital circuits, computer-aided design (CAD) methodologies have been very successful in automating the design of digital systems given a behavioral description of the function desired. Such is not the case for analog circuit design. Analog design still requires a "hands on" design approach in general. Moreover, many of the design techniques used for discrete analog circuits are not applicable to the design of analog/mixed-signal VLSI circuits. It is necessary to examine closely the design process of analog circuits and to identify those principles that will increase design productivity and the designer's chances for success. Thus, this book provides a hierarchical organization of the subject of analog integrated-circuit design and identification of its general principles.
The objective of this chapter is to introduce the subject of analog integrated-circuit design and to lay the...
