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In this work, we explore the MOS interface-trap charge-pump as an ultralow constant-current generator for analog CMOS applications. Charge pumping techniques in general are more suitable than conventional continuous-time techniques for ultralow current generation because the linear controllability of current by frequency is maintained regardless of the level of current. An interface-trap pump has the same property but the minimum charge it puts out per cycle is at least two orders of magnitude smaller than that of a switched-capacitor charge pump. This helps generate the same current more accurately at a much higher frequency with a much smaller filter capacitance. The paper presents a simplified model of the terminal characteristics of the interface-trap pump and an evaluation of its performance as a stand-alone current generator. Cascoding and complementary pumping are introduced as measures of performance improvement. Temperature sensitivity, pulse feedthrough, controllability, matching, reliability, and trimming issues are addressed. Transconductor circuits built with the charge pump are presented and experimentally evaluated.

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Single-ended and differential operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) configurations are biased with MOSFET interface-trap charge-pumping (ITCP) current generators to achieve very low transconductances for tunable sub-hertz operational transconductance amplifier-capacitor (OTA-C) filter implementation. This paper reviews the basics of ITCP current generation and presents the transconductors and the OTA-C filter configurations based on these transconductors. One of the filters is a low-pass with an experimentally determined lowest cutoff frequency of 0.18 Hz, and the other is a fully differential bandpass with individually tunable lower and upper cutoff frequencies measured down to 0.3 Hz. The former has one 15-pF filter capacitor, and measures 0.0346 mm 2 , whereas the latter contains four such capacitors and occupies 0.188 mm 2 silicon. Experimental evaluation also includes offset, harmonic distortion, and noise performance.

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