Random error effects in matched MOS capacitors and current sources

Explicit formulas are derived using statistical methods for the random errors affecting capacitance and current ratios in MOS integrated circuits. They give the dependence of each error source on the physical dimensions, the standard deviations of the fabrication parameters, the bias conditions, etc. Experimental results, obtained for both matched capacitors and matched current sources using a 3.5-μm NMOS technology, confirmed the theoretical predictions. Random effects represent the ultimate limitation on the achievable accuracy of switched-capacitor filters, D/A converters, and other MOS analog integrated circuits. The results indicate that a 9-bit matching accuracy can be obtained for capacitors and an 8-bit accuracy for MOS current sources without difficulty if the systematic error sources are reduced using proper design and layout techniques.