Charge-domain integrated circuits for signal processing

A new class of integrated circuits called charge-domain device has been developed for performing enhanced monolithic signal processing. All signal-processing operations are accomplished by splitting, routing and combining charge packets, thus overcoming many of the limitations of alternative devices such as charge-coupled device (CCD) split-electrode transversal filters and switched capacitor filters. Charge manipulation techniques are described which allow poles as well as zeros of a transfer function to be implemented efficiently, leading to infinite impulse response monolithic filters suitable for high-frequency applications. Several test filters, including a narrowband 8-pole bandpass filter, are demonstrated. These charge-domain devices are useful in applications ranging from radio IF to radar to video signal processing with a high level of integration achievable on a single charge-domain integrated circuit.