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10 November 2019 1441 ‫ ربيع األول‬13

َ ُْ ََ

Analog IC Design

Lecture 11
Differential Amplifier

Dr. Hesham A. Omran

Integrated Circuits Laboratory (ICL)
Electronics and Communications Eng. Dept.
Faculty of Engineering
Ain Shams University
 Outline
❑ Recapping previous key results
❑ Single-ended (SE) vs differential operation
❑ Pseudo differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Differential amplifier (differential pair)
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Effect of mismatch in load and input pair
▪ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR)
❑ Frequency response of differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis

11: Differential Amplifier 2

 Outline
❑ Recapping previous key results
❑ Single-ended (SE) vs differential operation
❑ Pseudo differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Differential amplifier (differential pair)
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Effect of mismatch in load and input pair
▪ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR)
❑ Frequency response of differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis

11: Differential Amplifier 3

 MOSFET in Saturation
❑ The channel is pinched off if the difference between the gate and
drain voltages is not sufficient to create an inversion layer.
𝑉𝐺𝐷 ≤ 𝑉𝑇𝐻 𝑂𝑅 𝑉𝐷𝑆 ≥ 𝑉𝑜𝑣
❑ Square-law (long channel MOS)
𝜇𝑛 𝐶𝑜𝑥 𝑊 2 1 + 𝜆𝑉
𝐼𝐷 = ⋅ 𝑉𝑜𝑣 𝐷𝑆 VSG > |VTH|
2 𝐿

𝑉𝑆𝐵 ↑ ⇒ 𝑉𝑇𝐻 ↑ VSD > |Vov|

VDG < |VTH|
VGS>VTH VGD<VTH
VSB G
B S D VGD < VTH

VDS > Vov

p+ n+ n+
p-sub VGS > VTH
VDS>Vov
Recapping Key Results 4
 Regions of Operation Summary

OFF
ON
(Subthreshold)
𝑉𝐺𝑆 > 𝑉𝑇𝐻
𝑉𝐺𝑆 < 𝑉𝑇𝐻

Triode Pinch-Off (Saturation)

𝑉𝐷𝑆 < 𝑉𝑜𝑣 𝑉𝐷𝑆 ≥ 𝑉𝑜𝑣
Or Or
𝑉𝐺𝐷 > 𝑉𝑇𝐻 𝑉𝐺𝐷 ≤ 𝑉𝑇𝐻

𝑊 2
𝑉𝐷𝑆 𝜇𝐶𝑜𝑥 𝑊 2
𝐼𝐷 = 𝜇𝐶𝑜𝑥 𝑉𝑜𝑣 𝑉𝐷𝑆 − 𝐼𝐷 = 𝑉 1 + 𝜆𝑉𝐷𝑆
𝐿 2 2 𝐿 𝑜𝑣

Recapping Key Results 5

 High Frequency Small Signal Model
𝜕𝐼𝐷 𝑊 𝑊 2𝐼𝐷
𝑔𝑚 = = 𝜇𝐶𝑜𝑥 𝑉𝑜𝑣 = 𝜇𝐶𝑜𝑥 ⋅ 2𝐼𝐷 =
𝜕𝑉𝐺𝑆 𝐿 𝐿 𝑉𝑜𝑣

𝑔𝑚𝑏 = 𝜂𝑔𝑚 𝜂 ≈ 0.1 − 0.25

1 𝑉𝐴 1 1
𝑟𝑜 = = = 𝑉𝐴 ∝ 𝐿 ↔ 𝜆 ∝ 𝑉𝐷𝑆 ↑ 𝑉𝐴 ↑
𝜕𝐼𝐷 /𝜕𝑉𝐷𝑆 𝐼𝐷 𝜆𝐼𝐷 𝐿

𝐶𝑔𝑏 ≈ 0 𝐶𝑔𝑠 ≫ 𝐶𝑔𝑑 𝐶𝑠𝑏 > 𝐶𝑑𝑏

Cgd
G D

Cgb Cgs gmvgs gmbvbs ro Cdb

Csb
S
B
Recapping Key Results 6
 Rin/out Shortcuts Summary

𝑟𝑜 1 + 𝑔𝑚 + 𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑅𝑆
H.I.N.

1 𝑅𝐷
∞ 1+
𝑔𝑚 + 𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑟𝑜
At low
frequencies ONLY L.I.N.

Recapping Key Results 7

 Summary of Basic Topologies
CS CG CD (SF)

RD RD RD
vout vout
vin vin
vin vout
RS RS RS

Voltage & current amplifier Current buffer Voltage buffer

1 𝑅𝐷
Rin ∞ 𝑅𝑆 // 1+ ∞
𝑔𝑚 + 𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑟𝑜
1 𝑅𝐷
Rout 𝑅𝐷 //𝑟𝑜 1 + 𝑔𝑚 + 𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑅𝑆 𝑅𝐷 //𝑟𝑜 𝑅𝑆 // 1+
𝑔𝑚 + 𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑟𝑜
−𝒈𝒎 𝒈𝒎
Gm 𝒈𝒎 + 𝒈𝒎𝒃
𝟏 + 𝒈𝒎 + 𝒈𝒎𝒃 𝑹𝑺 𝟏 + 𝑹𝑫 /𝒓𝒐
Recapping Key Results 8
 Outline
❑ Recapping previous key results
❑ Single-ended (SE) vs differential operation
❑ Pseudo differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Differential amplifier (differential pair)
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Effect of mismatch in load and input pair
▪ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR)
❑ Frequency response of differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis

11: Differential Amplifier 9

 Have You Seen a Diff Amp Before?
❑ An op-amp is simply a high gain differential amplifier
▪ The gain can be increased by using cascodes and multi-stage
amplification
❑ The diff amp is a key block in many analog and RF circuits
▪ DEEP understanding of diff amp is ESSENTIAL

M3 M4
Vout
Vin+
Vout Vin+ M1 M2 Vin-
Vin-

VB M5

11: Differential Amplifier 10

 Single-Ended (SE) vs Differential
❑ SE: measured with respect to a fixed potential (usually the ground)
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑆𝐸 = 𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀
▪ Single-ended peak-to-peak swing is 2𝑉𝑜
❑ Diff: measured between two nodes that have equal and opposite
signals around a common-mode (CM) level
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓 = 𝑉𝑋 − 𝑉𝑌
= 𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀 − −𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀
= 2𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡
▪ Differential peak-to-peak swing is 4𝑉𝑜

Vout,SE Vout,X Vout,Y

VCM 2Vo VCM 2Vo

t t
11: Differential Amplifier 11
 Why Differential?
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑆𝐸 = 𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓 = 𝑉𝑋 − 𝑉𝑌
= 𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒 − −𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒
= 2𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 12

 Why Differential?
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑆𝐸 = 𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓 = 𝑉𝑋 − 𝑉𝑌
= 𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒 − −𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀 + 𝑉𝐶𝑀𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒
= 2𝑉𝑜 sin 𝜔𝑡

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 13

 Why Differential?
❑ Pros
▪ Common-mode (CM) noise rejection
▪ Simpler biasing (no need for bypass or coupling capacitors)
▪ Larger maximum signal swing
▪ Higher linearity
❑ Cons
▪ Doubling the area
▪ Doubling the power consumption
❑ The advantages of differential operation by far outweigh the
disadvantages
❑ Differential operation has become the de facto choice in today’s
high-performance analog and mixed-signal circuits

11: Differential Amplifier 14

 SE ↔ Differential
❑ A center-tapped transformer can be used for SE to differential
conversion and vice versa.
▪ Used frequently in simulation testbenches.
▪ Also known as balanced-to-unbalanced conversion (balun).
• Differential → balanced
• Single-ended → unbalanced
❑ There are other circuits that can be used to achieve this goal.

Vsig +Vsig / 2 Vsig VCM + Vsig / 2

VCM
-Vsig / 2 VCM - Vsig / 2

11: Differential Amplifier 15

 Diff Amp with Arbitrary Inputs

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 16

 Separate CM and Diff by Superposition
𝑣𝑖𝑑 = 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 − 𝑣𝑖𝑛2

𝑣𝑖𝑑 𝑣𝑖𝑑
𝑣𝑖𝑑1 = and 𝑣𝑖𝑑2 = −
2 2

𝑣𝑖𝑛1 + 𝑣𝑖𝑛2
𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀 =
2

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 17

 Outline
❑ Recapping previous key results
❑ Single-ended (SE) vs differential operation
❑ Pseudo differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Differential amplifier (differential pair)
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Effect of mismatch in load and input pair
▪ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR)
❑ Frequency response of differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis

11: Differential Amplifier 18

 “Pseudo” Diff Amp
A. Small signal analysis
1. Diff small signal analysis
2. CM small signal analysis
B. Large signal analysis
1. Diff large signal analysis
2. CM large signal analysis

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

11: Differential Amplifier 19

 A1. Diff Small Signal Analysis
𝑣𝑖𝑑 𝑣𝑖𝑑
❑ 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 = and 𝑣𝑖𝑛2 = −
2 2
𝑣𝑖𝑑 𝑣𝑖𝑑
❑ 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 and 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 −
2 2
❑ 𝑣𝑜𝑑 = 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 − 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 𝑣𝑖𝑑
𝑣𝑜𝑑 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2
❑ 𝐴𝑣𝑑 = = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 = = = 𝐴𝑣,𝑆𝐸
𝑣𝑖𝑑 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 𝑣𝑖𝑛2

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

11: Differential Amplifier 20

 A2. CM Small Signal Analysis
❑ 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 = 𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀 and 𝑣𝑖𝑛2 = 𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀
❑ 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀 and 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀
𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 +𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2
❑ 𝑣𝑜𝐶𝑀 = = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀
2
𝑣𝑜𝐶𝑀
❑ 𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀 = = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 = 𝐴𝑣𝑑 → 𝐴𝑣𝑑 /𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀 =1
𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀
❑ The output CM level is sensitive to the input CM level
❑ CM input is not “completely” rejected

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

11: Differential Amplifier 21

 B1. Diff Large Signal Analysis
❑ Assume large differential signal is applied
❑ The two sides act as two independent CS amplifiers
❑ Ex: 𝑉𝑖𝑛1 ↑ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉𝑖𝑛2 ↓
▪ M2 will turn OFF: 𝐼𝐷2 = 0
▪ 𝐼𝐷1 will increase following square law (expansive
characteristics)
𝑉𝐷𝐷
▪ Eventually M1 goes out of saturation and 𝐼𝐷1 saturates at
𝑅𝐷

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
ID1 ID2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

11: Differential Amplifier 22

 B2. CM Large Signal Analysis
❑ The two sides act as two independent CS amplifiers
❑ The transistors are biased by the input CM level
❑ The OP point is sensitive to the input CM level
❑ Ex: 𝑉𝑖𝐶𝑀 ↑ = 𝑉𝑖𝑛1 ↑ = 𝑉𝑖𝑛2 ↑
▪ 𝐼𝐷1 and 𝐼𝐷2 will increase following square law
𝑉𝐷𝐷
▪ Eventually M1 and M2 go out of saturation and 𝐼𝐷1,2 ≈
𝑅𝐷

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
ID1 ID2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

11: Differential Amplifier 23

 Outline
❑ Recapping previous key results
❑ Single-ended (SE) vs differential operation
❑ Pseudo differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Differential amplifier (differential pair)
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Effect of mismatch in load and input pair
▪ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR)
❑ Frequency response of differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis

11: Differential Amplifier 24

 “True” Diff Amp (Diff Pair)
A. Small signal analysis
1. Diff small signal analysis
2. CM small signal analysis
B. Large signal analysis
1. Diff large signal analysis
2. CM large signal analysis

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2
VP

ISS
11: Differential Amplifier 25
 Half-Circuit Principle (Differential Input)
❑ If a circuit is perfectly symmetric, the analysis can be greatly
simplified by dividing it into two half-circuits.
❑ If the input to a symmetric circuit is DIFFERNTIAL
▪ Any point ON THE AXIS OF SYMMETRY can be treated as a
virtual ground.
❑ The circuit is divided into two identical half-circuits.

R1 R1 R1 R1

Vin R2 -Vin Vin R2 -Vin

11: Differential Amplifier 26

 Half-Circuit Principle (CM Input)
❑ If a circuit is perfectly symmetric, the analysis can be greatly
simplified by dividing it into two half-circuits.
❑ If the input to a symmetric circuit is CM
▪ Any wire CROSSING THE AXIS OF SYMMETRY can be treated as
open-circuit.
❑ The circuit is divided into two identical half-circuits.

R1 R1 R1 I=0 R1

Vin R2 Vin Vin 2R2 2R2 Vin

11: Differential Amplifier 27

 A1. Diff Small Signal Analysis
❑ METHOD #1: Half-Circuit Principle (exploit symmetry)
❑ 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 = −𝑣𝑖𝑛2 = 𝑣𝑖𝑑 /2: 𝑉𝑃 acts as virtual ground → same as pseudo
𝑣𝑖𝑑 𝑣𝑖𝑑
❑ 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 and 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 −
2 2
❑ 𝑣𝑜𝑑 = 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 − 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 𝑣𝑖𝑑
𝑣𝑜𝑑 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2
❑ 𝐴𝑣𝑑 = = −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 = = = 𝐴𝑣,ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓−𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑖𝑡 = 𝐴𝑣,𝑆𝐸
𝑣𝑖𝑑 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 𝑣𝑖𝑛2

RD RD RD RD
Vout1 Vout2 Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2 Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2
VP VP

ISS ISS

11: Differential Amplifier 28

 A1. Diff Small Signal Analysis
❑ METHOD #2: Super-position (H.W.)
❑ For 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 to 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 : CS (M1) degenerated by M2
❑ For 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 to 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 : CD (M1) + CG (M2)
❑ Similarly for 𝑣𝑖𝑛2
❑ Same result as half-circuit principle
❑ Lengthy analysis! (but may be necessary if not symmetric)

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2
VP

ISS
11: Differential Amplifier 29
 A1. Diff Small Signal Analysis
❑ Half-circuit principle does not work in this case

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 W/L 2W/L Vin2
VP

ISS
11: Differential Amplifier 30
 A2. CM Small Signal Analysis
❑ METHOD #1: Half-Circuit Principle (exploit symmetry)
❑ 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 = 0 and 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 = 0
𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 +𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2
❑ 𝑣𝑜𝐶𝑀 = =0
2
𝑣𝑜𝐶𝑀
❑ 𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀 = = 0 = 𝐴𝑣,ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓−𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑖𝑡 → 𝐴𝑣𝑑 /𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀 → ∞
𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀
❑ The CM output is NOT sensitive to the CM input
❑ CM input is “completely” rejected (compare with pseudo diff amp)

RD RD RD RD
Vout1 Vout2 Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2 Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2
VP VP VP

ISS

11: Differential Amplifier 31

 A2. CM Small Signal Analysis
❑ METHOD #2: Super-position (H.W.)
❑ For 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 to 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 : CS (M1) degenerated by M2
❑ For 𝑣𝑖𝑛1 to 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 : CD (M1) + CG (M2)
❑ Similarly for 𝑣𝑖𝑛2
❑ Same result as half-circuit principle
❑ Lengthy analysis! (but may be necessary if not symmetric)

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2
VP

ISS
11: Differential Amplifier 32
 A2. CM Small Signal Analysis (𝑹𝑺𝑺 ≠ ∞)
❑ METHOD #1: Half-Circuit Principle (exploit symmetry)
𝑣𝑜𝐶𝑀 −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷
❑ 𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀 = = = 𝐴𝑣,ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓−𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑖𝑡
𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀 1+2 𝑔𝑚 +𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑅𝑆𝑆
❑ 𝐴𝑣𝑑 /𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀 ≈ 2 𝑔𝑚 + 𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑅𝑆𝑆 ≫ 1
❑ CM input is “partially” rejected (compare with pseudo diff amp)

RD RD RD RD RD RD
Vo1 Vo2 Vo1 Vo2 Vo1 Vo2
Vin1 Vin2 Vin1 Vin2 Vin1 Vin2
VP VP

ISS RSS 2RSS 2RSS 2RSS 2RSS

11: Differential Amplifier 33

 Recapping Small Signal Analysis
Pseudo Diff Amp Diff Pair (w/ ideal CS) Diff Pair (w/ 𝑹𝑺𝑺 )

𝑨𝒗𝒅 −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷

−𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷
𝑨𝒗𝑪𝑴 −𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 0 1 + 2 𝑔𝑚 + 𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑅𝑆𝑆
<1
2 𝑔𝑚 + 𝑔𝑚𝑏 𝑅𝑆𝑆
𝑨𝒗𝒅 /𝑨𝒗𝑪𝑴 1 ∞
≫1

11: Differential Amplifier 34

 Quiz
❑ Assume symmetry and 𝑔𝑚 𝑟𝑜 ≫ 1. Calculate 𝐴𝑣𝑑 .

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2014] 35

 Quiz
❑ Assume symmetry and 𝑔𝑚 𝑟𝑜 ≫ 1. Calculate 𝐴𝑣𝑑 .

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2014] 36

 Quiz
❑ Assume symmetry and neglect Channel Length Modulation (CLM).
Calculate 𝐴𝑣𝑑 .

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 37

 Quiz
❑ Assume symmetry and assume 𝑔𝑚1 𝑅𝑆𝑆 ≫ 1. Neglect CLM and
body effect. Calculate 𝐴𝑣𝑑 .

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2014] 38

 Quiz
❑ Assume symmetry, neglect body effect, and assume all transistors
have the same 𝑔𝑚 and 𝑟𝑜 . Calculate 𝐴𝑣𝑑 .

VB3

VB2
Vout1 Vout2
VB1

Vin1 Vin2
VP

ISS

11: Differential Amplifier 39

 B1. Diff Large Signal Analysis
❑ The large signal differential input voltage steers the tail current
from one side to another → current-steering
❑ Current fully steered at 𝑉𝑖𝑑 ≈ Δ𝑉𝑖𝑛,𝑚𝑎𝑥 ≈ 2𝑉𝑜𝑣,𝑒𝑞 (why?)
❑ The current has compressive characteristics (compare to pseudo
diff amplifier)
❑ The slope at 𝑉𝑖𝑑 = 0 is equal to …?

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
ID1 ID2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

ISS

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2014] 40

 B1. Diff Large Signal Analysis
❑ Maximum differential peak-to-peak output = 2𝐼𝑆𝑆 𝑅𝐷
❑ The slope at 𝑉𝑖𝑑 = 0 is equal to …?

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
ID1 ID2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

ISS

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2014] 41

 B1. Diff Large Signal Analysis
❑ If tail current is doubled

❑ If aspect ratio is doubled

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2014] 42

 B1. Diff Large Signal Analysis
❑ The linear range can be increased by
▪ Increasing 𝑉𝑜𝑣,𝑒𝑞 (decreasing 𝑊)
▪ Degeneration
Δ𝑉𝑖𝑛2 = Δ𝑉𝑖𝑛1 + 𝐼𝑆𝑆 𝑅𝑆
❑ Linearity improved, but gain and headroom reduced

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
ID1 ID2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2
RS RS

ISS

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 43

 B1. Diff Large Signal Analysis
❑ Analytical large signal solution for 𝐼𝐷1,2 can
be derived by solving two equations:
𝑉𝑖𝑛1 − 𝑉𝑖𝑛2 = 𝑉𝐺𝑆1 − 𝑉𝐺𝑆2
𝐼𝐷1 + 𝐼𝐷2 = 𝐼𝑆𝑆
RD RD
❑ Substituting with square law and solving Vout1 Vout2
(see [Sedra, 2015]): ID1 ID2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

2
𝐼𝑆𝑆 𝐼𝑆𝑆 𝑉𝑖𝑑 𝑉𝑖𝑑 /2
𝐼𝐷1 = + 1− ISS
2 𝑉𝑜𝑣,𝑒𝑞 2 𝑉𝑜𝑣,𝑒𝑞

2
𝐼𝑆𝑆 𝐼𝑆𝑆 𝑉𝑖𝑑 𝑉𝑖𝑑 /2
𝐼𝐷2 = − 1−
2 𝑉𝑜𝑣,𝑒𝑞 2 𝑉𝑜𝑣,𝑒𝑞
11: Differential Amplifier 44
 B2. CM Large Signal Analysis
❑ The CM input (𝑉𝑖𝐶𝑀 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛1 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛2 ) does not affect the bias point of
M1,2 (𝐼𝐷1,2 ) and the CM output level
▪ Bias point is defined by the tail current source
▪ No need for coupling capacitors between diff stages!
▪ Compare to pseudo diff amplifier

❑ But all transistors must be in saturation

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
❑ M3 in sat: ID1 ID2
𝑉𝑖𝐶𝑀 ≥ 𝑉𝑇𝐻1 + 𝑉𝑜𝑣1 + 𝑉𝑜𝑣3 Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

❑ M1,2 in sat:
ISS
𝐼𝑆𝑆
𝑉𝑖𝐶𝑀 ≤ 𝑉𝐷𝐷 − 𝑅𝐷 + 𝑉𝑇𝐻1 VB M3
2

11: Differential Amplifier 45

 Max Allowable Signal Swing
❑ Max output is 𝑉𝐷𝐷 : 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑉𝐷𝐷
❑ Min output is set by keeping M1,2 in sat: 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛𝐶𝑀 − 𝑉𝑇𝐻1
❑ Max peak-to-peak differential output swing
= 2 × 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2 × 𝑉𝐷𝐷 − 𝑉𝑖𝐶𝑀 − 𝑉𝑇𝐻1
❑ If 𝑉𝑖𝐶𝑀 is set to its min value: 𝑉𝑖𝐶𝑀 = 𝑉𝑇𝐻1 + 𝑉𝑜𝑣1 + 𝑉𝑜𝑣3
= 2 × 𝑉𝐷𝐷 − 𝑉𝑜𝑣1 − 𝑉𝑜𝑣3
❑ Deduced intuitively noting that M1 and M3 are vertically stacked
❑ For SE amp: Max peak-to-peak output swing = 𝑉𝐷𝐷 − 𝑉𝑜𝑣1

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
ID1 ID2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

ISS
VB M3

11: Differential Amplifier 46

 Outline
❑ Recapping previous key results
❑ Single-ended (SE) vs differential operation
❑ Pseudo differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Differential amplifier (differential pair)
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Effect of mismatch in load and input pair
▪ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR)
❑ Frequency response of differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis

11: Differential Amplifier 47

 Effect of Mismatch (in Load)
❑ Most dangerous effect: CM to diff conversion
❑ Example #1: Mismatch in load resistance
▪ If Δ𝑅𝐷 /𝑟𝑜 ≪ 1 then we can apply half-circuit principle at 𝑉𝑃
𝑣𝑜𝑑 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 − 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 + Δ𝑅𝐷
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 = = =− −
𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀 𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀 1 + 2𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝑆𝑆 1 + 2𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝑆𝑆
𝑔𝑚 Δ𝑅𝐷 Δ𝑅𝐷
= ≈
1 + 2𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝑆𝑆 2𝑅𝑆𝑆

RD RD+ΔRD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 Vin2
VP

ISS RSS

11: Differential Amplifier 48

 Effect of Mismatch (in Load)
❑ Most dangerous effect: CM to diff conversion
Δ𝑅𝐷
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 ≈
2𝑅𝑆𝑆
❑ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR) (@low frequency!)
𝐴𝑣𝑑 𝑅𝐷
𝐶𝑀𝑅𝑅 = ≈ 2𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝑆𝑆
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 Δ𝑅𝐷

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 49

 Effect of Mismatch (in Input Pair)
❑ Most dangerous effect: CM to diff conversion
❑ Example #2: Mismatch in input pair: 𝑔𝑚2 = 𝑔𝑚1 + Δ𝑔𝑚
▪ Half-circuit cannot be used → use superposition
𝑣𝑜𝑑 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡1 − 𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑡2 𝑔𝑚1 𝑅𝐷 𝑔𝑚2 𝑅𝐷
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 = = =− +
𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀 𝑣𝑖𝐶𝑀 1 1
1 + 𝑔𝑚1 ||𝑅𝑆𝑆 1 + 𝑔𝑚2 ||𝑅
𝑔𝑚2 𝑔𝑚1 𝑆𝑆
Δ𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 Δ𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷
=− ≈−
1 + 𝑔𝑚1 + 𝑔𝑚2 𝑅𝑆𝑆 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆

RD RD
Vout1 Vout2
Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2
VP

ISS RSS

11: Differential Amplifier 50

 Effect of Mismatch (in Input Pair)
❑ Most dangerous effect: CM to diff conversion
Δ𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 Δ𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 ≈ ≈
1 + 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆
❑ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR) (@low frequency!)
𝐴𝑣𝑑 𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑔𝑚1,2
𝐶𝑀𝑅𝑅 = ≈ 1 + 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆 ≈ 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 Δ𝑔𝑚 Δ𝑔𝑚

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 51

 Outline
❑ Recapping previous key results
❑ Single-ended (SE) vs differential operation
❑ Pseudo differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Differential amplifier (differential pair)
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis
❑ Effect of mismatch in load and input pair
▪ Common-mode rejection ration (CMRR)
❑ Frequency response of differential amplifier
▪ Common-mode (CM) and differential analysis

11: Differential Amplifier 52

 Diff Frequency Response
❑ The freq response of the diff amp is itself the freq response of the
half-circuit: 𝑉𝑃 is virtual ground
❑ Note that the number of poles/zeros in the diff amp is the same as
the number of poles/zeros in the half-circuit
▪ The two halves are added, not multiplied
𝐴𝑜 /2 𝐴𝑜 /2 𝐴𝑜
▪ Ex: 𝐴 𝑠 = 𝑠 + 𝑠 = 𝑠 (what if there is mismatch?)
1+𝜔 1+𝜔 1+𝜔
𝑝 𝑝 𝑝

RD RD
CL CL
Vout1 Vout2

Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2
VP

ISS RSS
11: Differential Amplifier 53
 CM Frequency Response
❑ 𝐶𝑃 degrades tail current source impedance at high frequency
❑ 𝐶𝑃 ≈ 𝐶𝑑𝑏3 + 𝐶𝑔𝑑3 + 𝐶𝑠𝑏1 + 𝐶𝑠𝑏2
❑ Trade-off between headroom and CMRR
▪ M1-M3 are made wide to decrease 𝑉𝑜𝑣 and increase headroom
▪ But 𝐶𝑃 increases, and degrades CMRR
▪ 𝐶𝑃 resembles the bypass capacitor used in discrete CS amplifier

RD RD RD RD
CL Vout1 Vout2 CL CL Vout1 Vout2 CL

Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2 Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

VP VP
ISS
VB M3 CP RSS

11: Differential Amplifier 54

 CM Frequency Response
❑ Mismatch in input pair (M1 and M2)
Δ𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷
@Low frequency: 𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 ≈
1+ 𝑔𝑚1 +𝑔𝑚2 𝑅𝑆𝑆
1
Δ𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝐷 ||
𝑠𝐶𝐿
@High frequency: 𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 ≈ 1
1+ 𝑔𝑚1 +𝑔𝑚2 𝑅𝑆𝑆 ||𝑠𝐶
𝑃

RD RD RD RD
CL Vout1 Vout2 CL CL Vout1 Vout2 CL

Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2 Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

VP VP
ISS
VB M3 CP RSS

11: Differential Amplifier 55

 CM Frequency Response
❑ Mismatch in input pair (M1 and M2)
𝐴𝑣𝑑 𝑔𝑚1,2
@Low frequency: 𝐶𝑀𝑅𝑅 = ≈ 1 + 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 Δ𝑔𝑚
𝐴𝑣𝑑 𝑠 1 𝑔𝑚1,2
@High frequency: 𝐶𝑀𝑅𝑅 = ≈ 1 + 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆 ||
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 𝑠 𝑠𝐶𝑃 Δ𝑔𝑚

RD RD RD RD
CL Vout1 Vout2 CL CL Vout1 Vout2 CL

Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2 Vin1 M1 M2 Vin2

VP VP
ISS
VB M3 CP RSS

11: Differential Amplifier 56

 CM Frequency Response
❑ Mismatch in input pair (M1 and M2)
𝐴𝑣𝑑 𝑠 1 𝑔𝑚1,2
𝐶𝑀𝑅𝑅 = ≈ 1 + 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆 ||
𝐴𝑣𝐶𝑀2𝑑 𝑠 𝑠𝐶𝑃 Δ𝑔𝑚
𝐶
1 + 𝑠 2𝑔 𝑃 𝑔𝑚1,2
𝑚1,2
≈ ⋅ 2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆
1 + 𝑠𝑅𝑆𝑆 𝐶𝑃 Δ𝑔𝑚

CMRR
𝑔𝑚1,2
2𝑔𝑚1,2 𝑅𝑆𝑆
Δ𝑔𝑚
𝑔𝑚1,2
Δ𝑔𝑚

1 2𝑔𝑚1,2 ω
𝑅𝑆𝑆 𝐶𝑃 𝐶𝑃
11: Differential Amplifier 57
 CM Frequency Response
❑ High frequency supply noise is a very serious issue
❑ Again: There is a trade-off between headroom and CMRR
▪ More serious for low supply voltage

𝑹𝑺𝑺

11: Differential Amplifier [Razavi, 2017] 58

 Thank you!

11: Differential Amplifier 59

 References
❑ A. Sedra and K. Smith, “Microelectronic Circuits,” 7th ed., Oxford
University Press, 2015
❑ B. Razavi, “Fundamentals of Microelectronics,” 2nd ed., Wiley, 2014
❑ B. Razavi, “Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits,” McGraw-
Hill, 2nd ed., 2017
❑ T. C. Carusone, D. Johns, and K. W. Martin, “Analog Integrated
Circuit Design,” 2nd ed., Wiley, 2012

11: Differential Amplifier 60