Top-Down, Constraint-Driven Design Methodology Based Generation of a Second Order Σ-∆ A/D Converter

To accelerate the design cycle for analog circuits and mixed-signal systems, we have proposed a top-down, constraint-driven design methodology [1]. In this paper we present a complete design flow to illustrate this design methodology as it applies to the design of a second order sigma-delta (Σ-∆) analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. We start from its performance and functional specifications and ending with the testing of the fabricated parts. Experimental results are presented.