EMT479 ANALOGUE IC DESIGN

LAB 2: SINGLE STAGE AMPLIFIER DESIGN

OBJECTIVE

1. To design and optimize common source (CS) amplifier with resistor load by
analyzing the DC, transient and AC simulation.
2. In the first task, you will perform DC analysis and measure the voltage transfer
characteristic of the CS amplifier. The bias point of the amplifier will also be
measured. In the second task, transient analysis will be performed by applying
a small signal to the amplifier’s input. In the last task, AC analysis will be
performed and the frequency response of the CS amplifier observed.
3. From these experiments, you should understand the trade-offs involved in
designing a CS amplifier.
4. The amplifier specification are given as below:
a) Technology = TSMC 0.13 CMOS
b) VDD = 3.3V
'
c) C L =0.5 pF
d) DC gain > 20 dB
e) Bandwidth > 50MHz

PRE LAB ASSIGNMENT

1. What is DC, Transient and AC analysis?

2. Calculate the M1 size in Figure 2 to achieve the required specification above. Use
 n C ox = 100µA/V2, VTH = 0.6V, L=1 µm in the calculation.
3. Derive the expression for the small-signal parameter gm using the drain current in
saturation.

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EMT479 ANALOGUE IC DESIGN

Task 1: DC Analysis

RL= 1kΩ

VOUT

VIN M1

CL
+
VDC
-

Figure 1: Common-Source Amplifier: DC analysis

1. Construct the schematic as shown in Figure 1. Use M1 value that you have
calculated.
2. Simulate the circuit and plot the graph VOUT vs. VIN. Find the value of VIN at
which the transistor is cut-off, saturate and entering the linear region. What
happen to the small-signal gain once the transistor enters the linear region?
3. Determine the suitable DC operating point for the circuit to obtain maximum
small-signal gain.
4. Re-simulate the circuit using the operating point obtained in Step 2.
5. Determine the operation region of M1. Re-calculate gm parameter at this bias
point.
6. Discuss your consideration when choosing the right operating point for the
circuit.

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EMT479 ANALOGUE IC DESIGN

Task 2: Transient Analysis

RL= 1kΩ

VOUT

Vin M1

CL
VSINE

+ VDC
-

Figure 2: Common-Source Amplifier: Transient analysis

1. Using the operating point obtained in Task 1, perform transient analysis as

shown in Figure 2 by applying a small sinusoidal signal (0.1 V peak-to-peak) to
VSINE.
2. Observe the small signal output, VOUT, and calculate the voltage gain of the
amplifier.
3. Increase the VSINE from 0.1V to 3.3V. Plot VOUT vs. VSINE. What can you conclude
from the graph?

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EMT479 ANALOGUE IC DESIGN

Task 3: AC Analysis

RL= 1kΩ

VOUT

Vin M1

CL
VAC

+ VDC
-

Figure 3: Common-Source Amplifier: AC Analysis

1. Perform AC simulation (up to 1GHz) and analyze the circuit in Figure 3 for
gain and bandwidth.
2. Adjust the circuit parameter to get the required gain and bandwidth as per the
specs.
3. Compare and discuss the result that you obtained from calculation and simulation.
Discuss the trade-offs involved in biasing a CS amplifier.