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0.5-V Nano-Power Shadow Sinusoidal Oscillator Using Bulk-Driven Multiple-Input Operational Transconductance
Fabian Khateb1,2,3, Montree Kumngern4, Tomasz Kulej5
1Department of Microelectronics, Brno University of Technology, Technická 10, 601 90 Brno, Czech Republic.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 28, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel low-frequency shadow sinusoidal oscillator. It achieves ultra-low voltage and nano-power operation using a bulk-driven multiple-input operational transconductance amplifier (MI-OTA).
Area of Science:
- Electronics
- Analog Circuit Design
- Low-Power Integrated Circuits
Background:
- Operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) are fundamental building blocks in analog circuit design.
- Achieving ultra-low voltage and low power consumption is critical for modern portable and IoT devices.
- Sinusoidal oscillators are essential for various signal generation applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel low-frequency shadow sinusoidal oscillator circuit.
- To demonstrate ultra-low voltage (0.5 V) and nano-power (54 nW) operation.
- To achieve electronically tunable oscillation conditions and frequency.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a bulk-driven multiple-input operational transconductance amplifier (MI-OTA).
- Employing a two-input single-output biquad filter configuration.
- Designing and simulating the circuit using Cadence with 0.18 µm TSMC CMOS technology.
Main Results:
- Achieved oscillation at an extremely low supply voltage of 0.5 V.
- Demonstrated ultra-low power consumption of only 54 nW.
- Obtained a total harmonic distortion (THD) of approximately 0.3% for a 202 Hz output signal.
- Verified independent electronic control over oscillation condition and frequency.
Conclusions:
- The proposed bulk-driven MI-OTA based shadow oscillator is suitable for ultra-low voltage and nano-power applications.
- The circuit offers independent electronic tunability for oscillation parameters.
- Simulation results validate the theoretical design and performance.
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