Ebook: Electrothermal Frequency References in Standard CMOS

This book describes an alternative method of realizing accurate on-chip frequency references in standard CMOS processes. This method exploits the thermal-diffusivity of silicon, i.e. the rate at which heat diffuses through a silicon substrate. This is the first book describing the design of such electrothermal frequency references. It includes the necessary theory, supported by practical realizations that achieve inaccuracies as low as 0.1% and thus demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. The book also includes several circuit and system-level solutions to the precision circuit design challenges encountered during the design of such frequency references.

This book describes an alternative method of accurate on-chip frequency generation in standard CMOS IC processes. This method exploits the thermal-diffusivity of silicon, the rate at which heat diffuses through a silicon substrate. This is the first book describing thermal-diffusivity-based frequency references, including the complete theoretical methodology supported by practical realizations that prove the feasibility of the method. Coverage also includes several circuit and system-level solutions for the analog electronic circuit design challenges faced.

· Surveys the state-of-the-art in all-silicon frequency references;

· Examines the thermal properties of silicon as a solution for the challenge of on-chip accurate frequency generation;

· Uses simplified modeling approaches that allow an electronics engineer easily to simulate the electrothermal elements;

· Follows a top-down methodology in circuit design, in which system-level design is promoted by behavioral simulations.