VERDI: an acoustically programmable and adjustable CMOS mixed-mode signal processor for hearing aid applications

A CMOS mixed-mode fully-differential signal processor (VERDI), that constitutes the core of a hearing aid system, is introduced. Its characteristics (frequency response, compression level, and output sound pressure level) are wireless controlled by means of dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) encoded signals transmitted by an external unit. A system description is provided, and the implementation and experimental results of the key components (preamplifier, antialiasing filter, automatic gain control, filter section, output amplifier, and DTMF receiver/decoder) are covered in more detail. The circuit has been fabricated in a conventional 1.2 μm CMOS n-well process and operates from a single 1.3 V battery, although a dc/dc converter is required. It consumes typically less than 1 mA and occupies 28 mm² of silicon. The dynamic range is larger than 66 dB for the maximum input signal (54 mV_rms=108 dB SPL)