Simulation-Based Optimization for Automated Design of Analog/RF Circuits

Abstract

Automation tools for circuit optimization have proven their usefulness in solving design issues by considering the technological aspects of downscaling. Recent advances have proven that the optimization method based on simulation is a powerful and important solution for the optimal sizing of electronic circuits. In this paper, we propose a simulation-based methodology for automatic optimization of the multi-objective design of an analog/RF circuit. As applications, we use both analog and RF circuits, respectively the LC tank Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) and the new Current-Feedback Operational Amplifier (CFOA). For the LC-VCO, we optimize the power consumption and the phase noise. For the CFOA, we optimize its important performances such as bandwidth and parasitic resistances, for lowvoltage, low-power applications. All simulations are performed by HSPICE using 0.13 μm RF CMOS and 0.18 μm CMOS technologies for the LC-VCO and the CFOA, respectively.

Bulk-driven current conveyor optimization using simulation-based method

“…The threshold voltage is thus no longer present in the signal path, resulting in a lower supply voltage requirement. This paper presents a simulation-based technique that we have already tested on the multi-objective optimization of analog circuits, see reference [2,18], yet here it is adapted for the optimal design of a novel structure of LV-LP bulk driven CCII, using the single-objective particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm [19,20]. This circuit can operate from a 𝑉𝑉 �� of 0.3V, consuming only 37 nW.…”