Teaching MOS integrated circuit amplifier design to undergraduates

The enhancement-mode MOSFET is the primary active device used in present-day digital and mixed-signal integrated circuit processes. Thus, it is important to introduce this device and associated circuit design methods early in the electronics curriculum. This article discusses four integrated circuit MOSFET amplifier configurations; the current source/active load stage, the source follower, the cascode connection, and the differential stage with a current mirror load. These stages serve as building blocks for more complex MOSFET amplifiers and allow the introduction of MOSFET integrated circuit design principles.