Efficient multi-tone distortion analysis of analog integrated circuits

TLDR

Higher integration levels in wireless applications make this method especially useful. The paper introduces a novel nonlinear frequency‑domain approach to analyze distortion in analog integrated circuits. The method employs a nonlinear frequency‑domain technique and is demonstrated on industrial amplifiers and continuous‑time filters. It avoids the device‑modeling inaccuracies of Volterra series, handles strongly nonlinear regimes, and enables efficient analysis of large analog blocks.

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel approach to analyze distortion behavior in analog integrated circuits using a nonlinear frequency-domain method. This approach circumvents the difficulties and inaccuracies associated with device modeling required for the traditional Volterra series method and can handle circuits operating in more strongly nonlinear regimes. The efficiency of the method renders the analysis of large analog blocks practical. We present examples of multi-tone distortion analyses of industrial amplifiers and continuous time filters. The trend towards higher levels of integration, particularly for wireless applications, renders this method especially useful.