What is Gm-C filters?

Definition:
 Active filter controlled by OTA (current gain) and capacitors parameters,
over a CMOS or BiCMOS technology.

Key Points:
 Introduction
 Comparative of RC, MOSFET-C and Gm-C filters
 Biquad overview
 Gm-C filter synthesis

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 Introduction: Gm-C Filters

Where / why we do use Continous-Time Filters:
 Pre and post filters for sampled-data systems;
 Mixed analog digital systems;
 Biomedical applications (peacemarker);
 Area and Power efficient solution.

Gm-C Filters properties:

 Well-suited for high-frequency applications;
 Many transconductance elements required;
 Limited dynamic range (OTA nonlinearities);

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 Comparison of CT-filters type

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 The Biquad Filter

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 The Biquad Filter

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 The Biquad Filter
 The ressonator Natural Modes

 Active ressonator

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 The Two-Integrator-Loop Biquad
 Consider first a high pass filter.

Kerwin-Huelsman-Newcomb (KHN) biquad

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 The Tow-Integrator-Loop Biquad
 Another way to sum the partial integrated signals

Tow-Thomas biquad

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 Other Techniques Available
 SAB ( Single Amplifier Biquad)
 Simulation of passive ladder network
 Other higher order techniques.

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 First-Order OTA-C

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 Basic Blocks

Basic Building Block
 OTA-C Integrator

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 Basic Blocks

Parasitic capacitance effects:
 The Miller effect

 How to reduce this parasitic capacitance

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 Basic Blocks

OTA simulated resistor

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 Basic Blocks

OTA simulated inductor

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 Filter Topologies

Example of an RLC circuit

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 Two Integrator Loop OTA-C filter

Very known from opamp realization

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 Two Integrator Loop OTA-C filter

Summed feedback and Distributed feedback

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 Two Integrator Loop OTA-C filter

Designing

 Making t1 = t2 = t ; select k11 and k12

 Or making k11=k12; select t1 and t2

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 Two Integrator Loop OTA-C filter

Biquad

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 OTA-C Realizations of (DF) Configuration

How to use inputs and outputs

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 OTA-C Realizations of (DF) Configuration

Summarized table

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 Biquad Realization

Summarizing
 Distributed Feedback
 Summer feedback (KHN – biquad)
 Lossy integrator (Tow-Thomas)

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 Final Considerations

Dynamic Range

Mismatch transconductance

Output impedance and load problem

Component substitution (LC ladder, RLC Ressonator)

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 References

Deliyannis, T. Sun, Y. Fidler, J.K. Continuous-Time Active Filter Design. New York:
CRC Press. 1999

Johns, D. Martin, K. Analog Integrated Circuit Design. New York: Wiley. 1997

Ficher, G. Transconductance-C Filters at:
http://www.ele.uri.edu/courses/ele539/lectures/chapter9.pdf

Sedra, A.S., Smith, K.C. Microelectronic circuits. Fifth Ed. New York: Oxford press.
2004

R. L. Geiger and E. Sánchez-Sinencio , "Active Filter Design Using Operational
Transconductance Amplifiers: A Tutorial," IEEE Circuits and Devices Magazine, Vol. 1,
pp.20-32, March 1985.

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 Pratical example

Band Stop

 Making t1 = t1 =t

 Or making k12=k22=k

 requirements

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 Pratical example

Band Stop
 The integrators and amplifiers transconductance

 Simulated Resistor and Capacitors

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