A 10-bit charge-transfer amplifier-based A/D converter with 400-µ W/MSPS dynamic power dissipation

A 10 bit A/D converter (ADC) is reported in which charge-transfer amplifiers (CTAs) are used to achieve low dynamic power dissipation of 400 µW/MSPS drawn from a 2.1 V supply. This work builds upon previous CTA-based ADCs [1,2], demonstrating for the first time the applicability of charge-transfer amplifiers in 10-bit ADCs. The subranging type converter evaluates on a 5/5 coarse/fine bit distribution. Capacitive interpolation allows a reduction in power to near the ideal 10-bit subranging converter equivalent of 62 comparators. The test chip is fabricated in 0.6 µm 3m/2p CMOS, occupying 2.7 mm².