Op-amps as “firm” virtual components for systems-on-chip

We propose a new design methodology for op-amps as “firm” Virtual Components for Systems-on-Chip. A fast time to market, robustness to process variation and process migration, and the fact that most SOC designers are digital designers require a new approach to analog design that is closer to digital methods. Our symmetry-based design method consists of a series of “rules of thumb” that ensure a robust functionality and good performance. The resulting “firm” virtual components are easy to generate by computer, have a regular layout, and can be scaled for different performance levels without the multiplicity characteristics for “hard” components