Domenico Rossi

Low-noise tape preamplifier with new self-biasing architecture

Consumer electronics, like car radio applications, must work in single supply operations. In the meanwhile higher an higher performances are also required. This paper describes a low noise preamplifier, mainly intended for tape decks, with an unconventional self bias architecture that shows noise performances comparable with preamplifiers operating in double supply. This preamplifier is fabricated in a standard BiCMOS technology where offset free analog switches can be easily implemented guaranteeing pop free commutation in forward/reverse application. Measured value of input referred signal to noise ratio in the standard 20Hz 20KHz audio range is 300nV (A weighted) and THD is about 0.004% for maximum output voltage swing. The area of the whole stereo preamp is 2300 mils 2.

RF design and technology supporting Active Safety in automotive applications

As safety is already a competitive factor in the growth of automotive applied technologies, the Active Safety represents its most advanced aspect which is driving IC design and technology development. Automotive Active Safety nowadays exploits a wide range of sensors and technologies, spanning from the already consolidated ABS, ESP, etc., to the ultrasonic, the Real Time Image Processing up to the Radar Systems.

Panel: Looking backwards and forwards

Ten years ago, at 90 nanometers, EDA was challenged and deemed inadequate in dealing with increasing complexity, power consumption, and sub-wavelength lithography, thus harming the progress of mobile phones. Today, at 10 nanometers, integration capacity has increased by two orders of magnitude, power consumption has been successfully “tamed”, and 193 nanometer immersion lithography is still relied upon. Also thanks to EDA, tools, methodologies, and flows that were originally devised for design enablement for the emerging technology nodes, have been successfully redeployed at the established technology nodes, where they represent a critical design differentiation factor. However, the battleground is changing again: after the billions of phones, trillions of “things” lie ahead. Moving forward, emerging and established technology nodes, digital and analog, hardware and software will be equally critical. What is EDA doing and, more important, what should EDA do - and is not doing - in order for the next decade to be as great as the past one? This panel session, moderated by EPFL Professor Giovanni De Micheli, gathers academia, semiconductor, and EDA industry to discuss the challenges and requirements of the new era.

Saclable “High Voltages” Integrated Circuit Design for XDSL Type of Applications

Service providers are largely adopting ADSL technology and telcos to deliver high-speed data communication over traditional copper twisted pair. Continuous growth of this market has led to new requirements for lower cost, higher transmission bandwidth, improved power efficiency and longer reach. Most of these targets are heavily depending on the electrical performances of XDSL Line Drivers and Receiver which for cost reasons are, nowadays, often embedded with other functions. This paper describes most recent advances in semiconductor technology and design techniques specifically adopted to comply with these technical demands. Practical examples of Line Driver realized in different technologies and adopting different circuit architectures are also reported.