The design and simulation of a superconductive, COSL compatible comparator and high-speed superconductive analog-to-digital converter

Date
2004-04
Authors
Powell, I. A. (Ian Allan)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are an integral part of the interface between the analog and digital realms. This dissertation presents the design and simulation of a Complementary Output Switching-Logic (COSL) compatible, voltage state, switching logic comparator and a flash ADC for high speed applications with multi-GHz input bandwidth. Josephson technology and the COSL family of gates were utilized for this purpose. A detailed design for the switching logic comparator is first provided. The design is verified with simulations to obtain a functional comparator. The comparator is then optimized utilizing an optimization tool developed using the scripting facilities of WRSpice. Incorporated in this tool is a Monte Carlo capability to randomly vary the component values according to Gaussian distributions, and trimming facilities to be able to trim a non-functional comparator to restore functionality. The design component values are then optimized by maximizing the yield of a comparator. The optimized comparator is incorporated into the construction of a4-bit quantizer of an ADC. The output from the quantizer section yields a switching-logic Gray-code output. A Gray-to- Binary converter is designed with COSL gates to convert the Gray output from the quantizer into Binary code for further processing. The functionality, linearity, maximum input bandwidth and dynamic range of the 4-bit ADC is verified by simulation. A number of special input waveforms are used for this purpose. The performance of the comparator and the 4-bit ADC is also evaluated with thermal noise incorporated into simulation. Beat frequency simulations and Fourier spectra were also used in the evaluation of the ADC performance. A fully functional 4-bit ADC, with a maximum input bandwidth of 10 GHz for a clock speed of 20 GHz was achieved through simulations. Beat frequency simulations revealed that the comparators have an input bandwidth greater than 19 GHz with sufficient dynamic range for an ADC of greater than 6 bits of resolution. Due to the fact that the aperture time for the ADC is dependant on the rise time of the sampling pulse and not the width of the pulse, a much smaller aperture time is obtained which directly translates to higher input bandwidth. Finally, a layout of a 4-bit sampler circuit was done according to the Hypres manufacturing process to enable the high-speed testing of the comparator circuits.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Analoog-na-Digitale Omsetters (ADOs) vorm 'n integrale deel van die koppelvlak tussen die analoog en digitale wêrelde. Hiedie proefskrif stel die ontwerp en simulasie van 'n Komplementêre Uittree Geskakelde Logika (COSL) aanpasbare, spanningstoestand, geskakelde logika vergelyker en ADO bekend. Hierdie ADO kan vir hoë spoed toepassings waar multi-GHz intree-bandwydte benodig word, aangewend word. Josephson tegnologie en die Komplementêre Uittree Geskakelde Logika (COSL) familie van hekke word vir hierdie doel gebruik. Die volledige ontwerp vir die geskakelde logika vergelyker word eerstens gegee. Die ontwerp word met behulp van simulasies bevestig om sodoende 'n ten volle funksionele vergelyker te verkry. Die vergelyker word verder geëptimeer deur middel van 'n proses wat met behulp van programmering in WRSpice ontwikkel is. Hierdie optimeringsproses sluit 'n Monte Carlo proses in wat die komponentwaardes van die vergelyker onwillekeurig volgens 'n Gaussiese verspreiding verander, sowel as 'n verstellingsmeganisme waarmee 'n nie-funksionerende vergelyker verstel kan word totdat dit weer ten volle funksioneer. Die komponentwaardes word dan geëptimeer vir maksimale opbrengs van 'n vergelyker. Die geëptimeerde vergelyker word gebruik in die konstruksie van 'n 4-bis kwantifiseerder vir 'n ADO. Die uittree van die 4-bis kwantifiseerder is in Gray kode. 'n Gray-na-Binêre kode omsetter word vir hierdie doelontwerp deur van COSL hekke gebruik te maak. Die volle ADO word voorts gesimuleer om die funksionalitet, lineariteit, maksimum intreebandwydte en dinamiese bereik te verifieer. 'n Verskeidenheid van intreeseine is vir hierdie doel gebruik. Die vergelyker en die 4-bis ADO is ook gesimuleer met termiese ruis om die effek daarvan te bepaal. Fourier spektra en ''verskilfrekwensie'' (Beat Frequency) simulasies word ook gebruik in die evaluering van die vergelyker en die ADO. Die korrekte werking van 'n 4-bis ADO met intreebandwydte van 10 GHz met 'n klokspoed van 20 GHz is deur simulasie bevestig. Verskilfrekwensie simulasies dui aan dat die vergelykers 'n intreebandwydte van groter as 19 GHz het, met voldoende dinamiese bereik vir 6 bis resolusie. Aangesien die vergelykers se venstertydperk bepaal word deur die stygende helling van die monsterpuls en nie deur die pulswydte nie, maak dit voorsiening vir 'n baie klein venstertydperk. 'n Klein venstertydperk is essensieel vir 'n hoë intreebandwydte. 'n Uitleg van 'n 4-bis vergelyker stadium is gedoen vir die Hypres vervaardigingsproses om die vergelyker teen hoë spoed te kan toets.
Description
Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
Keywords
Analog-to-digital converters, Josephson effect, Superconductors, Dissertations -- Electronic engineering, Theses -- Electronic engineering
Citation