Continuous time Delta Sigma Modulators for Extreme Performance

Continuous time delta sigma (CT ΔΣ) modulators have emerged as the preferred choice for high resolution ADCs in wireless, wireline, and instrumentation applications due to their excellent noise shaping properties, inherent anti alias filtering, and compatibility with scaled CMOS processes. Achieving extreme performance, however—defined by bandwidths of hundreds of kHz, and >100 dB dynamic range to result in an in-band noise spectral density of the order of -160dBFS/Hz — requires innovation across architecture and circuit design. This talk presents a comprehensive overview of key issues encountered in the design of CT ΔΣ modulators engineered for the highest levels of accuracy.