Analogue and Mixed-Signal Systems Topologies Exploration Using Symbolic Methods

Abstract

This paper describes the use of symbolic methods applied to the automatic exploration and characterisation of analogue and mixed-signal systems topologies and architectures. The developed methodology acquires the desired system requirements at the algorithm-level, using an HDL description, and employs, both, a modified signal flow graph approach and a pattern recognition techniques for synthesis purposes, leading to a complete characterisation of the sub-blocks from the automatically generated architecture. Thus, by allowing the synthesis process to move into higher levels of abstraction, the proposed methodology provides a computer-based framework for the systematic and uniform treatment of various types of data conversion systems, including the search for new conversion algorithms and/or new implementing architectures. The discussion will be centered on a developed methodology for high-level synthesis of data conversion systems both linear and non-linear, and how the presented methodology might be expanded to synthesize other analogue structures.