MSc thesis projects - Precision Analog

Here is a list of possible MSc thesis projects related to the theme Precision Analog. This is intended just to give an idea, actual projects are usually defined after discussion with the advisor.

[2023] Readout ASIC for High-Accuracy Temperature-Compensated MEMS-based Oscillators

Capacitively-Coupled Instrumentation Amplifier

Low-power tree encoders for high-resolution ADCs

A key technique used in high-resolution Sigma-delta ADCs is dynamic element matching. This scrambles the mismatch errors of their DAC elements in such a way that they are shifted out of the band of interest. Compared to the commonly used DWA algorithm, tree encoders can achieve much better performance. The goal of this project is to realize a low-power tree encoder that will replace the DWA logic currently used in a high-resolution (110dB) sigma-delta ADC with a 4-bit DAC.

High-speed (RF) chopping (NXP)

RF Digital-to-analog Converters (NXP)

Broadband analog delay filter and amplifier (NXP)

Low-latency Interleaved SAR ADC (NXP)

Broadband sigma-delta modulation (NXP)

Broadband frequency dependent calibration (NXP)

High Resolution High Efficiency Hybrid ADCs (NXP)

Recently, we have shown that high-resolution audio ADCs can be realized by combining the low power of SAR ADCs with the high-resolution of Sigma-delta ADCs [1]. Based on new insights, the aim of this project is to design and implement an improved ADC in a 160nm CMOS process.

Frequency References for the IoT (Infineon)

IoT devices need accurate frequency references (<500ppm) to control their sleep/wake cycles. These are traditionally based on bulky quartz/MEMs resonators. RC-based frequency references can achieve good accuracy while dissipating 100s of uWs [1]. The aim of this project is to design and implement an RC frequency reference that maintains this level of accuracy while dissipating significantly less power.

Nanopower Resistor-Based Temperature Sensors (imec)

Resistor-based temperature sensors are the most energy-efficient class of CMOS temperature sensors [1]. For use in implantable medical devices, or in IoT devices, their power dissipation must be reduced. The aim of this project is to design and implement a sub-uW resistor-based temperature sensor in a 180nm CMOS process.

Intrinsically Accurate Temperature Sensors (ADI)

CMOS temperature sensors typically require calibration and trimming to reach reasonable levels of accuracy (<1C). A new class of temperature sensors exploits the well-defined propagation speed of heat in highly-pure IC grade silicon to circumvent this requirement [1]. The aim of this project is to design and implement such a thermal diffusivity sensor in a 180nm CMOS process.

High Performance Opamps

The aim of this project is to investigate a new intermediate stage topology for Class-AB amplifiers that promises to deliver higher speed and lower noise, while also reducing the overall power consumption.

Quiet Class-D Amplifiers (NXP)

The aim of this project is to investigate alternative coding schemes for Class-D amplifiers with the aim of reducing their filtering requirements and EMI emissions
Comes with a student stipend