From architecture to manufacturing: an accurate framework for optimal operational transconductance amplifier design

Abstract

The operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) is one of the most important basic blocks used in the design of analogue integrated circuits (ICs). However, its optimisation involves a large number of parameters and specifications that have to be accurately adjusted during the simulation process to appropriately achieve the design objectives. This work addresses the whole framework required to the automatic design of an OTA, from its architecture to manufacturing. We propose and implement a computational tool based on genetic algorithm to optimise and simulate analogue CMOS ICs. In addition, we propose a measurement system to perform the experimental electrical characterisation of the OTAs. Our experimental results show that this analogue CMOS IC design framework allows the development of practical solutions with remarkable accuracy and low design time. The measured results demonstrate maximum errors of about 10%, considering all specifications investigated, regarding OTAs with 0.35 micrometre bulk CMOS technology from ON semiconductor.