Classical analog and mixed signal processing functions such as filtering and analog to digital conversion are performed in voltage, current, or charge domains. High precision is typically achieved by processing voltage/current/charge domain signals using high gain amplifiers embedded in negative feedback. However, achieving high gain in deeply scaled and beyond CMOS technologies is difficult. In this talk, I will present time-based signal representation as an alternative to classical voltage or charge-based signal representations. I will then show how this representation enables the implementation of fundamental building blocks such as integrators using mostly digital circuits. Finally, I will present examples of time-based analog filters, analog to digital converters, phase-locked loops, and DC-DC converters to highlight the advantages, opportunities, and drawbacks of the time-based approach.
Pavan Hanumolu is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He received Ph.D. degree from the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Oregon State University, in 2006, where he subsequently served as a faculty member till 2013. Dr. Hanumolu’s research interests are in energy-efficient integrated circuit implementation of analog and digital signal processing, sensor interfaces, wireline communication systems, and power conversion.