Design and implementation of 16 Bit SAR ADC for high resolution

Also Available Domains Low Power VLSI|Transistor Logic

Project Code :TVMABE303

Objective

Build a high-resolution SAR ADC capable of 16-bit accuracy by leveraging advanced calibration, low-noise comparator and CDAC design, and optimized architecture (segmented CDAC, redundancy, efficient SAR logic), all while maintaining practical speed, low power, and manufacturable silicon performance.

Abstract

We present a 10-bit, 50 MS/s radiation-tolerant successive-approximation-register (SAR) ADC implemented in a 65-nm CMOS process, optimized for space and high-energy physics applications. The converter employs a split coarse/fine capacitive DAC: a coarse thermometer-coded MSB block for improved monotonicity and reduced switching energy, and a fine binary-weighted LSB block to minimize capacitance and area. SAR timing is implemented in an asynchronous, event-driven controller to achieve a 50 MS/s conversion rate with a 1-cycle coarse search followed by a background fine calibration loop that cancels comparator offset and capacitor mismatch. Radiation hardening is achieved through mixed mitigation techniques: layout hardening (enclosed-layout transistors, guard rings), redundancy and glitch-tolerant finite-state logic for the SAR control, SEU-robust comparators and registers, and TID-resilient biasing. Post-layout simulations including mismatch and typical radiation-induced parameter shifts indicate an SNDR ≈ 59–60 dB (ENOB ≈ 9.5–9.7 bits), SFDR > 70 dB, DNL/INL < ±0.5 LSB after calibration, and a core power of order single-digit milliwatts at 1.0–1.2 V. The design occupies a compact core area and demonstrates robust operation across supply, temperature and radiation stress scenarios, making it suitable for moderate-resolution, medium-speed data acquisition in radiation-harsh environments.

NOTE: Without the concern of our team, please don't submit to the college. This Abstract varies based on student requirements.

Block Diagram

Specifications


Software Requirements:
• Tool: Cadence 

Hardware Requirements:
• Microsoft® Windows XP
• Intel® Pentium® 4 processor or Pentium 4 equivalent with SSE support
• 512 MB RAM
• 100 MB of available disk space

Learning Outcomes

  • 1.Understanding self-timed circuit design: Gain knowledge about the concept of self-timed or asynchronous circuit design. Learn about the advantages and challenges of self-timed circuits compared to synchronous designs, including improved performance, reduced power consumption, and increased robustness against timing variations.

  • 2.Familiarity with parallel adder architecture: Explore the architecture and operation of parallel adders. Understand how parallel adders perform addition operations on multiple bits simultaneously, enabling faster computation and higher throughput.

  • 3.Knowledge of transmission gate logic: Learn about transmission gate logic and its suitability for implementing digital circuits. Understand the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of transmission gate logic, including low propagation delay, low power consumption, and bidirectional signal handling.

  • 4.Understanding the adder components: Gain insights into the key components of a parallel adder, such as the carry propagation stage and sum calculation stage. Understand their functions, dependencies, and interconnections in achieving accurate addition results.

  • 5.Analyzing self-timed circuit behavior: Explore the behavior of self-timed circuits, including the concept of handshaking protocols, delay-insensitive design, and timing independence. Understand how self-timed circuits achieve correct operation regardless of varying delays or signal arrival times.

  • 6.Designing a parallel self-timed adder: Apply the knowledge gained to design a parallel self-timed adder using transmission gate logic style. Understand the design considerations, such as circuit topology, interconnectivity, and timing constraints, to ensure correct and efficient operation.

  • 7.Simulation and analysis: Utilize simulation tools and techniques to validate the designed self-timed adder. Analyze its performance in terms of speed, power consumption, and robustness against timing variations. Gain hands-on experience in simulating and evaluating self-timed circuits to verify their functionality.

  • 8.Evaluating trade-offs: Develop the ability to evaluate trade-offs between speed, power consumption, area utilization, and other performance metrics in self-timed adder design. Understand how design choices, such as the sizing of transmission gates and circuit topology, impact these trade-offs and make informed decisions based on the specific requirements of the adder.

  • 9.Documentation and reporting: Develop effective communication skills by documenting the design process, results, and findings in a clear and concise manner. Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the design, implementation, and performance analysis of the parallel self-timed adder using transmission gate logic style.

  • 10.Critical thinking and problem-solving: Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills by identifying and addressing challenges and limitations in the design process. Explore alternative design techniques, optimization strategies, and circuit modifications to improve the adder's performance and address potential issues.

  • Demo Video

    https://youtu.be/ByWcr-Qz4eg?si=qOpS5Jeib9INllWN