The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 1

THE PRACTICE OF ANALOG IC DESIGN

Phillip Allen
Schlumberger Professor of ECE
Georgia Institute of Technology
[email protected]

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter

May 13, 2004

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 2

INTRODUCTION
Practice
(Webster) – The condition of being proficient through systematic exercise. The
continuous exercise of a profession by a professional.

Objective
Help understand what is analog IC design and how to do it successfully and productively.

Focus Questions
• What is analog circuit design?
• What is the analog integrated circuit design process?
• What are the key principles, concepts and techniques for analog IC design?
• How can the analog IC designer enhance creativity and solve new problems in today’s
industrial environment?

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 3

WHAT IS ANALOG DESIGN?

Definition
Design – To create or execute in an artistic or highly skilled manner. The invention and
disposition of the forms, parts, or details of something according to a plan. (Webster)

Analysis versus synthesis (design)

System 1

System 2

System ANALYSIS Properties System 3 DESIGN Properties

System 4

031028-01

• Analysis: Given a system, find its properties. The solution is unique.

• Design: Given a set of properties, find a system possessing them. The solution is rarely
unique.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 4

What are the Inputs and Outputs of Design?

atic,
- S c hem
l
Perform trica tings
a
dynam nce - Static Elec rents, ra
r
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ANALOG Physical - Components,
DESIGN sizes, connections, busses
rocess,
o n s t r a ints - P re Test
in
C atu prob g - stim
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supply, es, v u
erifi li,
catio
n
031028-02

• Inputs are the properties or specifications.

- Performance – static, dynamic, physical
- Constraints – process, supply voltages, temperature
• Outputs is the system or solution
- Electrical – schematic, dc currents, ratings
- Physical – components, sizes, connections, busses
- Testing – stimuli, probes, loading, verification procedures

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 5

Innovation and Invention with respect to Design

What is innovation?
Innovation
Concepts

Successful
Principles
Solution

Tools

Experience 031030-01

Innovation is the ability to apply the concepts, principles and tools pertinent to analog
design and create a unique solution.
Some of the characteristics of innovation:
• Understand the principles, concepts, and tools (methods)
• Organized thinking (able to grasp cause and effect)
• Experience and intuition

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 6

Modeling
Modeling:
Modeling is the process by which the electrical properties of an electronic circuit or
system are represented by means of mathematical equations, circuit representations,
graphs or tables.
Models permit the predicting or verification of the performance of an electronic
circuit or system.

Electronic Equations, Prediction or

Circuits Circuit verification of
and representations, circuit or system
Systems graphs, tables performance
Electronic Modeling Process
030130-02

Examples:
Ohm’s law, the large signal model of a MOSFET, the I-V curves of a diode, etc.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 7

Assumptions
Assumptions:
An assumption is taking something to be true without formal proof. Assumptions in
analog circuit design are used for simplifying the analysis or design. The goal of an
assumption is to separate the essential information from the nonessential information
of a problem.
The elements of an assumption are:
1.) Formulating the assumption to simplify the problem without eliminating the
essential information.
2.) Application of the assumption to get a solution or result.
3.) Verification that the assumption was in fact appropriate.
Examples:
Neglecting a large resistance in parallel with a small resistance
Miller effect to find a dominant pole
Finding the roots of a second-order polynomial assuming the roots are real and
separated

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 8

Complexity in Analog Design

Analog design is normally done in a non-hierarchical manner and makes little use of
repeated blocks. As a consequence, analog design can become quite complex and
challenging.
How do you handle the complexity?
Systems Systems Level (ADC)
1.) Use as much hierarchy as possible.
2.) Use appropriate organization
techniques. Circuits Level (op amps)
3.) Document the design in an efficient
manner. Circuits Block Level (amplifier)
4.) Make use of assumptions and
simplifications.
Sub-block Level (current sink)
5.) Use simulators appropriately.

Components Components (transistor)

031030-03

Analog design is sometimes called “organized chaos”.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 9

Characteristics of Analog Design

• Done at the circuits level
• Complexity is high
• Continues to provide challenges as technology evolves
• Demands a strong understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques
• Good designers generally have a good physics background
• Must be able to make appropriate simplifications and assumptions
• Requires a good grasp of both modeling and technology
• Have a wide range of skills - breadth (analog only is rare)
• Be able to learn from failure
• Be able to use simulation correctly

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 10

WHAT IS THE ANALOG IC DESIGN PROCESS?

What is the Difference between Discrete and Integrated Analog IC Design?
The primary difference is in the physical aspects of the components:

Design Characteristic Discrete Analog Design Integrated Analog Design

Tolerance of Components Can be whatever the Very poor absolute tolerance
designer wants better relative tolerance
Range of values Unlimited Limited
Design of the Components Little influence over the Total influence over the design
design
Impact of the Components Very little, can be Strong influence, cannot be
minimized minimized
Dependence of the electrical Independent Dependent
and physical design
Testing Relatively easy to test Testing must be incorporated
any aspect of the circuit. into the entire design phase or
Can change components. will not be possible
Technology Dependence Very little Strongly dependent

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 11

Demands on Analog IC Designer

• The design process must be highly structured and organized (and at the same time allow
for flexibility and creativity)
• The design complexity increases quickly not only because the number of components
but because of the interaction between the electrical, physical and testing aspects of the
design.
Consequently,
- The designer must make correct use of the appropriate CAD tools
- The designer must be able to work effectively as a team member
• The designer must understand the technology
- What are the limitations and influence of the technology on the design?
- How can the technology be used to overcome design limitations?
- How does technology influence the reliability of the design?
• The designer must understand the application of the design
- What are the implications of the specifications?
- What aspects of the systems influence the circuit performance?
- Where are the performance limiting aspects of the system or circuit?
• Analog integrated circuit design is an ever-changing profession – a dynamic profession

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 12

The Analog IC Design Process

Conception of the idea

Definition of the design

Electrical
Design Comparison Comparison
with design Implementation with design
specifications specifications

Simulation

Physical Definition

Physical
Design Physical Verification

Parasitic Extraction

Fabrication Fabrication

Testing and Testing and Verification

Product
Development Product
Fig. 1.1-2
IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 13

What are Specifications?

A specification is a detailed and exact statement for the design of a circuit or system. It
generally describes the desired performance and the conditions under which that
performance should be achieved. The specifications define the design.
Desired Design
Performance, definition
Specifications and
Function,
Profit, etc. objectives
031111-01
Goals of a specification:
The specification should define the desired final result but not necessarily every step in
reaching that result.
The specification must be verifiable (it must be able to be confirmed)
The specification must include all necessary information (i.e. load conditions, etc.)
Various aspects of specifications:
• Business (political)
• Technical
• Conflicts

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 14

Business Aspects of Specifications

Negotiation – rarely are specifications defined without mutual agreement between the
parties.
Hard vs. soft specifications – the designer must know what specifications cannot be
changed and which are more flexible.
Fact vs. fiction – Does the specification make sense? The designer must be able to
evaluate the validity of the specification.
Legal aspects – the specification is an agreement and may be informal or formal
If the specification is formal, the designer should thoroughly examine the
specifications before accepting the responsibility to create a design to achieve the
specifications.
Will the design infringe on one or more patents?

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 15

Technical Aspects of Specifications

Can be in the form of:
1.) Performance objectives
2.) Environmental constraints
3.) Technological constraints
Can the spec be exceeded?
It is very difficult to exactly meet a performance specification so does the
specification have a threshold that can be exceeded?
Will the design be testable?
Will the design be compatible with the technology?
Will the design be robust and reliable?
Make sure all technical aspects of the specifications are clearly understood.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 16

Dealing with Conflicting or Difficult Specifications:

Some possible approaches to conflicting or difficult specifications-
1.) Ignore – the result is that the circuit will probably not be successful
2.) Negotiate a change in the specification
3.) Solve the difficulty through design creativity (“Start designing and quit whining.” –
response to multi-chip proponents on a 1998 ISSCC Panel on Single-Chip versus
Multi-Chip solutions for RF ICs.)
Pick your battles wisely-
Keep the global objectives in mind –
Be sure to win the “war” even at the cost of a few “battles”.
Tradeoffs and priorities
Select the best possible compromise with respect to the global objective

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 17

What is Electrical Design?

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Electrical design is the process of going from the specifications to a circuit solution. The
inputs and outputs of electrical design are:
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W
W/L ratios
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Topology

DC Currents Fig. 1.1-3

The electrical design requires active and passive device electrical models for
- Creating the design
- Verifying the design
- Determining the robustness of the design

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 18

Steps in Electrical Design

1.) Selection of a solution
- Examine previous designs
Literature !! !
Patents
Textbook
Web I1
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M4
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Your previous experience (if you are new in the field V T+2V ON M1
M7 M2

this is a challenge)
Experienced colleagues
- Select a solution that:
Is simple
You understand – don’t be afraid to use “recipes”
Has the potential to meet the specifications 031111-04

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 19

Steps in Electrical Design - Continued

2.) Investigation of a solution
- Analyze, analyze, analyze
- Determine the ability of the solution to satisfy most or all of the specifications
- Observe the weaknesses and strengths of the solution
- “Get a feeling” for the circuit operation

Possible Hand analysis Understanding

Solution of possible and confidence
solutions in the solution

Models and approximations

for hand analysis 031111-02

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 20

Steps in Electrical Design - Continued

3.) Modification of a solution
- The previous step should identify the weaknesses or inability to satisfy the
specifications
- Look for modifications in the design to improve its performance (the key principles,
concepts and techniques in this study will be a great help in this step)
- Evaluate the modifications through analysis
- Most of the analysis up to this point in the design has not used a computer or a model
that is precise
????
Possible Problem with Modification
Solution possible in the possible
solution solution

Good grasp of the key

principles, concepts
and techniques 031111-03

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 21

Steps in Electrical Design - Continued

4.) Verification of a solution
- Use a simulator with precise models and verify the solution
- Large disagreements with hand analysis and computer verification should be carefully
examined

???

040512-01

- Use models that capture the technology variations to make sure the design will work
for the given technology (if this information is not available, run the circuit over a wide
temperature range to get similar results)

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 22

What is Physical Design?

Physical design is the process of representing the electrical design in a layout consisting
of many distinct geometrical rectangles at various levels. The layout is then used to
create the actual, three-dimensional integrated circuit through a process called
fabrication.

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031113-01

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IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 23

What is the Purpose of the Layout?

The layout is used to create the masks that enable the fabrication of the chip.
Metal level mask example:
Ultra-Violet Light

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IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 24

What is the Layout Process?

1.) The inputs are the W/L values and the schematic (generally from schematic entry used
for simulation).
2.) A CAD tool is used to enter the various geometries. The designer must enter the
location, shape, and level of the particular geometry.
3.) During the layout, the designer must obey a set of rules called design rules. These
rules are for the purpose of ensuring the robustness and reliability of the technology.
4.) Once the layout is complete, then a process called layout versus schematic (LVS) is
applied to determine if the physical layout represents the electrical schematic.
5.) The next step is now that the physical dimensions of the design are known, the
parasitics can be extracted. These parasitics primarily include:
a.) Capacitance from a conductor to ground
b.) Capacitance between conductors
c.) Bulk resistance
6.) The extracted parasitics are entered into the simulated database and the design is re-
simulated to insure that the parasitics will not cause the design to fail.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 25

Design Rules
What are the failure mechanisms in the technology that design rules attempt to prevent†?

Failure Mechanism Effects Preventative Measures

Electrostatic Discharge Gate oxide ruptures or is Apply ESD protection
degraded structures which limit the
voltage at the pads
Electromigration Open or short circuits after Make metal widths wider,
long-term operation, usually use copper or saliciding
at high temperature
Antenna Effect Small gate oxides connected Reduce the polysilicon area
to large polysilicon areas connected to the small gate
can suffer damage due to oxides or put a metal jumper
electric fields generated in series with it.
during processing
Metal Fracturing Metal deposited on sharp Avoid sharp steps – replace
steps can to thin to pass the by several smaller steps
required current

†
Alan Hastings, “The Art of Analog Layout”, Chap. 4, Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, 2001
IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 26

Packaging†
Packaging of the integrated circuit is an important part of the physical design process.
The function of packaging is:
1.) Protect the integrated circuit
2.) Power the integrated circuit
3.) Cool the integrated circuit
4.) Provide the electrical and mechanical connection between the integrated circuit and
the outside world.
Packaging steps:
Attachment Connecting Encapsulating the
Dicing
of the chip to the chip to chip and lead
the wafer
a lead frame a lead frame frame in a package
031115-01
Other considerations of packaging:
• Speed
• Parasitics (capacitive and inductive)

†
Rao Tummala, “Fundamentals of Microsystems Packaging,” McGraw-Hill, NY, 2001.
IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 27

What is Test Design?

Test design is the process of coordinating, planning and implementing the
measurement of the analog integrated circuit performance.

Objective: To compare the experimental performance with the specifications and/or

simulation results.

Types of tests:
• Functional – verification of the nominal specifications
• Parametric – verification of the characteristics to within a specified tolerance
• Static – verification of the static (AC and DC) characteristics of a circuit or system
• Dynamic – verification of the dynamic (transient) characteristics of a circuit or system

Additional Considerations:
Should the testing be done at the wafer level or package level?
How do you remove the influence (de-embed) of the measurement system from the
measurement?

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 28

WHAT ARE THE KEY PRINCIPLES, CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES OF

ANALOG IC DESIGN?

Is Analog Design an Art or Science?

“Maybe the problem is that analog design is an art and it is difficult to teach an art.”
A simplistic definition of Art and Science:
It is art if you can’t explain how it works.
It is science if you can explain how it works.
!! !
A corollary to the above definition:
Art is when someone else can explain it but you can’t. I1 I3
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Science is when you can explain it but someone else can’t.

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Analog design should be more of a science than an art.

031111-04

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 29

Key Principles, Concepts and Techniques

Illustration:
Techniques
"Tricks"

Concepts - Analog
Information Analog
IC Design
that enhances Design
Process
design

Principles (laws)
used in design 040511-01

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 30

Key Principles of Analog IC Design

Principles will be used here to mean fundamental laws that are precise and never change.
(Webster – A comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption. The laws or
facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device.)
Examples:
Circuit laws:
- KVL, KCL, Thevinen-Norton, Ohms, superposition, linearity, time invariance,
substitution, bisection, Millers theorem, etc.
dv di
- i = C dt , v = Ldt
Stability – Bode criterion, root-locus criterion
Fourier analysis
Nyquist relationship between the data frequency and clock frequency
Doubly correlated sampling
z-domain relationships
Laplace transforms

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 31

Example of a Key Principle

“If the gate, source and drain terminals of two matched transistors are at the same
potential, their currents are related through their W/L ratios.”

ID1 ID2
M2
W1 M1 W2
L1 L2

040511-02

(Unfortunately, this principle must be coupled with matching principles associated with
the physical layout of the two transistors as well.)

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 32

Key Concepts of Analog IC Design

Concepts will include relationships, “soft-laws” (ones that are generally true), analytical
tools, things worth remembering. (Webster – An abstract idea generalized from
particular instances.)
Examples:
Models – Large and small signal, behavioral modeling
Poles and zeros – how to find them by inspection, root locus
Output and input resistance of cascode circuits
Dynamic range
Feedback-types, effect on performance, positive and negative, feedback loops
Feedforward
Component accuracy is inversely proportional to size
Accuracy enhancement
- Increasing area
- Averaging/interpolation
-Dynamic element matching
Bode plots, frequency response

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 33

Key Concepts of Analog IC Design - Continued

Physical matching of components
- Replication principle
- Minimization of the periphery
- Statistical “scattering” with increased unit cells
- Definition of the area between two plates by making one smaller than the other
- Photolithographic invariant layout
Component matching:
1.) Use identical structures (with the same area/periphery ratio)
2.) Replicate identical structures (average → ideal)
3.) Increase area
4.) Minimize edge and maximize area (geometry)
5.) Use the smaller of two horizontal plates to define the common area.
Identification of element parasitics with the geometrical properties of the element

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 34

Example of a Key Concept

Feedback (an excellent concept but generally not good for analysis):

Feedback Type Input/Output Resistance w/o Fb. Input/Output Resistance with Fb.
Negative-Series R R(1 + Loop Gain)
Negative-Shunt R R
1 + Loop Gain
Positive-Series R R(1 - Loop Gain)
Positive-Shunt R R
1 - Loop Gain

Therefore, to decrease the output resistance of a MOSFET circuit below the value of
1/gm, one must use some form of negative-shunt feedback.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 35

Key Techniques of Analog IC Design

Techniques will include the assumptions, “tricks”, tools, methods that one uses to
simplify and understand. (Webster – The manner in which technical details are treated, a
method of accomplishing a desired aim or goal.)
Examples:
Vab = Va – Vb
|p1| < |p2| for a system with 2 real roots
x = A + Be-t/τ τ = RC (C = one eq. capacitance, R = Thevinen resistance seen from C)
gm ≈ 10 gmbs ≈ 100 gds
Debugging techniques
Effective transconductance of a transistor with source resistance
Zero TC MOSFET biasing
Use of ratios to minimize component variation
How to make assumptions
- Simplify without removing the essence of the problem
- Use the simplification to achieve the desired objective
- Check the assumption for validity
Use of a simulator to verify, explore, and/or optimize a circuit
Biasing techniques: VDD -VTP -2VON, VDD -VTP –VON, VTN +2VON, and VTN +VON
IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 36

Illustration of a Key Technique

Worst case analysis:
Estimate the worst case error between the ratio of two variables, x2 and x1, if the
relative accuracy, ∆x/x, is known. Note: Ideally x2 = x1.
x1 + x2
1.) Define ∆x = x2 - x1 and x = 2 .
2.) Solve for x2 = x + 0.5∆x and x1 = x – 0.5∆x from the definitions in 1.).
3.) Substitute these values of x1 and x2 into the ratio to get,
x2 x + 0.5∆x
x1 = x – 0.5∆x
4.) Factor out x,
0.5∆x
x2 1 + x  0.5∆x  0.5∆x
x1 = 0.5∆x  ≈  1+
x  1+ x 
  

1- x
5.) Replace the denominator with the first two terms of a power series and ignore
away higher order terms.
x2 ∆x ∆x2 ∆x
= 1 + +   ≈1+
x1 x  2x  x

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 37

HOW CAN THE ANALOG IC DESIGNER ENHANCE CREATIVITY AND

SOLVE NEW PROBLEMS IN TODAY’S INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT?

Understand the Key Principles, Concepts and Techniques

These factors never change over time.

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1930's 1950's 1970's 040511-03
Large-signal and small-signal models are essentially identical for differing technologies.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 38

Learn, Learn and Continue to Learn

• Take short courses

• Enroll in advanced degrees
• Read the pertinent journals (IEEE Solid-State
Circuits Journal, Analog Integrated Circuits
and Signal Processing Journal, IEEE Trans.
on Circuits and Systems, etc.)
• Attend conferences (International Solid-State
Circuits Conference – Feb.)
• Attend meetings such as this one

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 39

Learn From Mistakes

Failure should be considered as an opportunity to learn.
The desirable result from failure should be:
1.) A good understanding of what has failed and why.
2.) An opportunity to build your understanding and not repeat the failure.
3.) An opportunity to build character – “what happens to you is not nearly as important
as how you respond to what happens to you”.
What about failure in a pressure environment?
1.) The temptation is to find the quickest solution without ever understanding the
problem. The following are bad ideas:
- Consult with the local “expert”
- Randomly try alternatives
- Avoid the problem altogether
2.) If this is the case, analyze the failure later (possibly on your own time because what
you learn is part of your professional growth).

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 40

Troubleshooting†
What is it?
Troubleshooting is the process of identifying why a circuit does not work. In the
process, it is most desirable to understand how to fix the problem.
How is troubleshooting accomplished?
1.) Investigation – gathering facts about the
problem
???
2.) Formulating what might be wrong based on
the investigation (hypothesis)
3.) Testing the hypothesis to see if it is correct
In many respects, troubleshooting is very
similar to the work of a detective.

031116-02

†
Robert Pease, “Troubleshooting Analog Circuits,” Butterworth Heinemann, Woburn, MA, 1991.
IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 41

Learn How to Use the Simulator

• Computer and tools like simulation have been crucial to the evolution of analog
integrated circuit design.
• The problem is the people who use the simulator – there is an unconscious trend to let
the simulator do your thinking for you and to assume you know more than you really
do.
• In order to use a simulator correctly one needs to realize some simulation “truths”.
Simulation “truths”:
− (Usage of a simulator) x (Common sense) ≈ Constant
− Simulators are only as good as the models and the knowledge of those models by
the designer
− Simulators are only good if you already know the answers

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 42

Look for Opportunities to Learn

• Seek new challenges rather than staying with what you are comfortable.
• Put yourself in an environment where you can learn from others
• Characteristics of a good company environment:
- Look for a nucleus of “experts”
- Development of new products and new fields of opportunity
- Training programs
- Concern for your professional development
- Mentoring opportunities
• Look for opportunity to change jobs if you feel you are stagnating professionally
• Maintain balance in your professional and personal life

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 43

A Project to Enhance Productivity of Analog IC Designers

Global Objective: To take 40 years of experience of teaching analog circuit design and
use this foundation to create the means of understanding and enhancing this practice in
others.
The specific objectives of this project are to:
1.) Enable new and experienced analog IC designers to understand the key principles,
concepts and techniques for designing analog circuits in an integrated technology.
2.) Provide experienced analog IC designers with the tools and ability to mentor
inexperienced designers.
3.) Teach the key principles, concepts and techniques by a progression of well-planned
and executed analog integrated circuit designs in modern CMOS technology.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 44

Project Steps
1.) Development of a short course with the following ingredients
a.) Technology
b.) Models
c.) Electrical Design
d.) Physical Design
e.) Testing and Design Capture
2.) Development of six examples of analog circuit design starting from specifications and
ending with testing and documentation.
a.) Stable Voltage Reference
b.) Operational Amplifier
c.) Filter
d.) Analog-Digital Converter
e.) Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (LC)
f.) Frequency Synthesizer
3.) Incorporation of the above two items into a short course whose focus is to teach an
understanding of how analog IC design is performed.
4.) After the short course has been tested and refined, write the results in the form of a
text on the practice of analog IC design.
IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004
The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 45

Mentoring/Coaching
Goal: Apply the previous material in a mentoring/coaching environment to help experts in
industry apprentice new engineers.

Problem: Capable mentors do not know how to teach others.

• The process by which they became “experts” is not clear, only that they are or are
considered to be.
• In one sense, many “experts” are more on the “art” side of analog design than the
“science” side
Solution: Help these “experts” become more aware of the “science” of analog design
• Identify the key principles, concepts and techniques (PCT)
• Illustrate the PCT
• Illustrate the techniques of mentoring – What is it? How is it done? How much time
does it take?
• The principle of doubling (may take 3-4 possible mentors to get 2 real mentors)

Problem: Some capable mentors do not have the people skills to teach others.
Solution: Difficult to solve. Requires humility and teachability.

IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004

The Practice of Analog IC Design (5/13/04) Page 46

SUMMARY
• What is analog circuit design?
The complex process of creating circuit solutions using analog circuit techniques.
• What is the analog integrated circuit design process?
The even more complex process of combining analog design with IC technology
which requires electrical, physical and test design.
• What are the key principles, concepts and techniques for analog IC design?
Key principles – Fundamental laws
Key concepts – Important relationships and ideas
Key techniques – Tools that allow simplification or insight
• How can the analog IC designer enhance creativity and solve new problems in today’s
industrial environment?
Learn the key principles, concepts and techniques of analog circuit design
Learn from mistakes
Learn the technology
Always try to understand the concept and operation of the circuit, never rely on a
computer or someone else for this understanding
IEEE Santa Clara Valley Solid-State Circuits Chapter – May 13, 2004 © P.E. Allen - 2004