An automated area optimization routine for the design of very low frequency Gm-C integrators

Very low frequency Gm-C filters are critical cells that should be carefully designed in order to avoid an excessive occupation of silicon area, especially when a high dynamic range is required. In this work we propose a routine, which exploits the MATLAB Optimization Toolbox in order to perform an optimum sizing of low frequency Gm-C integrators. The target is minimizing the integrator area, while satisfying design specifications such as unity gain frequency and dynamic range. Upper and lower bounds have been assigned to several design parameters to obtain solutions compatible with real processes. The interaction between noise and low frequency specifications has been investigated and their impact on the area occupation has been shown. The accuracy of the routine, configured with the parameters of a commercial process, has been shown using electrical simulations.