This book presents the study, design, modulation, optimization and implementation of low power, passive DT- Ms for use in audio applications. The high gain and bandwidth amplifier normally used for integration in modulation, is replaced by passive, switched-capacitor branches working under the Ultra Incomplete Settling (UIS) condition, leading to a reduction of the consumed power. The authors describe a design process that uses high level models and an optimization process based in genetic algorithms to achieve the desired performance.

This book describes the design of switched-capacitor filter circuits using low gain amplifiers and demonstrates some techniques that can minimize the effects of parasitic capacitances during the design phase. Focus is given in the design of low-pass and band-pass SC filters, and how higher order filters can be achieved using cascaded biquadratic filter sections. The authors also describe a low voltage implementation of a low-pass SC filter.

This book focuses on the design of a 3rd Order CT- M where the integrator stages of the filter are implemented with Bipolar-Junction Transistors (BJT) differential pairs. These circuits are fully analyzed and the design method is carefully explained. The design method is validated through experimental measurements of several prototype circuits.

This book addresses the task of circuit sizing optimization. A novel framework is introduced, based on time-domain analysis, genetic algorithm optimization, and distributed processing. The time-domain optimization methodology is based on the step response of the amplifier, which simplifies the circuit evaluation and helps the optimization process to converge faster. Complex and accurate device models (e.g. BSIM3v3) are integrated. The time-domain evaluation of the amplifier is used by the genetic algorithm optimization kernel, in the classification of the genetic individuals. Distributed processing is also employed to address the increasing processing time demanded by the complex circuit analysis, and the accurate models of the circuit devices. Platform assessment is carried by several examples, which have been optimized and successfully used, embedded, in larger systems, such as data converters. A dedicated example of an inverter-based self-biased two-stage amplifier has been designed, laid-out, fabricated, and experimentally evaluated. The measured results are a direct demonstration of the effectiveness of the proposed time-domain optimization methodology.