Stacking Multiple Differential Pairs for a NEF<1 Amplifier aimed at Electroneurographic Signal Recording

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Abstract

A low-noise, electroneurography (ENG) signal recording micro-power amplifier, for a single-channel implantable medical device, is presented. The amplifier is powered by a standard medical grade 3.7Vnom secondary battery, and stacks twelve differential pairs maximizing current-reuse and operating them close to saturation with a reduced VDS. The amplifier was implemented in a 0.6μm technology, with a total gain of ~80dB, 200Hz-4kHz bandwidth, and a current consumption of just 16.5μA, with a measured input referred noise of 330nVrms in the band of interest. This result corresponds to a Noise Efficiency Factor NEF=0.84, below the classic limit of 1. On the other hand, the die area of the amplifier is 6mm2, because very large input transistors and decoupling capacitors are necessary to reduce flicker noise. Thus finally, chopper technique is proposed to reduce flicker noise without resorting to such huge transistors. A new version of the current-reuse amplifier was designed with ~1/80th gate and capacitor area, and almost the same NEF.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2020 IEEE 11th Latin American Symposium on Circuits and Systems, LASCAS 2020
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781728134277
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2020
Event11th IEEE Latin American Symposium on Circuits and Systems, LASCAS 2020 - San Jose, Costa Rica
Duration: 25 Feb 202028 Feb 2020

Publication series

Name2020 IEEE 11th Latin American Symposium on Circuits and Systems, LASCAS 2020

Conference

Conference11th IEEE Latin American Symposium on Circuits and Systems, LASCAS 2020
Country/TerritoryCosta Rica
CitySan Jose
Period25/02/2028/02/20

Keywords

  • NEF
  • autozero
  • chopper
  • current reuse
  • low-noise

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