Course abstract

This course is supposed to provide a comprehensive design example, utilizing (and building upon) the basic concepts covered in a UG Analog Circuits course. All the essential circuit fundamentals, like-DC biasing, small signal analysis, signal-swing, linearity, noise, frequency-response, single-stage, multi-stage and differential amplifier topologies, feedback topologies, stability and oscillation, operational-amplifier circuits (transistor level), will be applied to a practical design example. In the beginning of each module, the required theoretical background will be covered in brief, before going towards the circuit design and simulation. The course will start with the description of the overall target system to be simulated, namely, an Analog Front-end for ECG signal acquisition. Higher level specification of the entire system will be discussed and linked to the specifications of the essential building blocks. The initial modules will start from components like basic amplifier topologies, where the basic circuit concepts will be demonstrated through simulation. The course will then move towards the design of building blocks of the target system, making use of all the concepts covered during the initial phase. Finally some interesting design challenges will be addressed, which may be particular to the target application. This course is expected to be a very comprehensive supplement to course on Analog Circuits and can be instrumental in stimulating interest and developing aptitude among the participants. Open source simulation platforms like PSPICE or LT-SPICE will be used, so that all participants can carry out the simulations described in the course. In line with the present industry scenario, we will mostly rely on MOSFET circuits. In the simulation examples, a clear distinction between bred-board circuit design (commonly practiced in a UG course) and integrated circuit design will be made at all stages.