CMOS Current-Mode Circuits for Data Communications (Analog Circuits and Signal Processing)

Current-mode circuits, where information is represented by the branch currents of the circuits rather than the nodal voltages as of voltage-mode circuits, possess many unique and attractive characteristics over their voltage-mode counterparts including a small nodal time constant, high current swing in the presence of a low supply voltage, reduced distor­ tion, a low input impedance, a high output impedance, less sensitive to switching noise, and better ESD immunity. CMOS current-mode circuits have found increasing applications in telecommunication sys­ tems, instrumentation, analog signal processing, multiprocessors, high­ speed computer interfaces, and the backplane of complex electronic sys­ tems. This book deals with the analysis and design of continuous-time CMOS current-mode circuits for data communications over wire chan­ nels. CMOS current-mode sampled-data networks, such as switch- current circuits, and current-mode logic circuits, are excluded. The book is organized as the followings : Chapter 1 examines the distinct characteristics of ideal voltage-mode and current-mode circuits. The topology duaUty of these two classes of circuits is investigated using the concept of inter-reciprocity and adjoint network. A critical comparison of the input and output impedances, bandwidth, slew rate, propagation delay, signal swing, supply voltage sensitivity, and ESD sensitivity of voltage-mode and current-mode cir­ cuits is provided. Chapter 2 investigates design techniques that improve the perfor­ mance of low-voltage current-mode circuits including input impedance reduction, output impedance boosting, bandwidth enhancement, mis­ match compensation, power consumption reduction, and swing improve­ ment. Chapter 3 investigates the modeling of wire channels.

This book addresses the analysis and design principles of CMOS current mode circuits and their applications for data communications. The analytical methods and design principles are based on the characteristics of MOS devices applied to current CMOS technologies. Major topics include: design techniques for current mode circuits, electrical signaling for high speed data links, current-mode transmitters and receivers, switching noise and grounding of mixed mode circuits, a comparison of voltage-mode with current-mode circuits, ESD protection, and additional related topics. Examples are given of CMOS technologies from leading semiconductor companies and analyzed using the latest computer-aided design tools by leading design companies.

CMOS Current-Mode Circuits for Data Communications is a valuable reference for circuit design engineers and hardware system engineers.