Abstract
This paper discusses the application of a new nature-inspired optimization algorithm, called Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), to the resolution and optimization of single- and multi-objective problems in microelectronic design field. The performances of WOA are tested on one of the more interesting analog integrated circuits (ICs), for low supply voltage applications, the low-voltage amplifier (LVA). After identifying and determining the constraints of the LVA circuit, WOA is used to optimize MOS transistors sizes. This allows the best gain, the largest bandwidth and the highest slew rate. These main characteristics are optimized in two ways. In the first step, each function is optimized on its own, keeping the others fixed. In the second, the three characteristics are combined, with equal weights, to form a single main objective function. WOA is coded in MATLAB and the obtained results are confifirmed by Cadence Virtuoso simulations in CMOS 0.18µm technology. The simulation results are 88.8dB (88.73dB), 23.92V/µs (20.52V/µs) and 24.6MHz (25.5MHz) for DC gain, slew rate and gain bandwidth in the single (multi)-objective experiment, respectively, justifying that WOA is an effective method for the design of the above mentioned circuit.
Highlights
In the past years, the significant growth of consumer electronics devices triggered a major increase in micro- and nano-electronics activities, allowing the integrated circuits (ICs) market to grow from almost $10 billion in 1980 to more than $400 billion in 2020 (World Semiconductor Trade Statistics) [1]
Due to the continuous progress in VLSI technologies, engineers are able to integrate in a single chip, the whole necessary electronic compounds for a System On Chip (SOC)
We present an adaptation of the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) algorithm for the analog integrated circuit design
Summary
The significant growth of consumer electronics devices triggered a major increase in micro- and nano-electronics activities, allowing the IC market to grow from almost $10 billion in 1980 to more than $400 billion in 2020 (World Semiconductor Trade Statistics) [1]. Integrated electronic circuits are composed of digital and analog parts. Analog circuits form the dominant block of electronic systems serving as an interface between digital parts and real signals [2]. These circuits are formed of hundreds of transistors and their importance cannot be neglected as their size imposes major constraints on their design, overall cost and performance [3]. Achieving analog circuit design within strict time to market constraints is a real challenge. This is because of the demand for devices with lower production costs, better efficiency and integration costs, and lower design costs. Circuits with one to two functions and few parameters, can be designed
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