CMOS CCCII: Structures, characteristics, and considerations

The novel balanced differential-pair structure, composing a second generation current controlled conveyor (CCCII), is introduced with minor improvements in bias scheme and much more precise characterizations. The classic translinear structure is also analyzed as explicit as the novel structure to provide fair comparisons. As the by-product, the design considerations of both structures are attained, which are utilized to implement two CMOS CCCIIs based on the AMS's 0.35 mu CMOS process. HSPICE simulations on the fundamental of CCCII support the perceptions gained from analyzes quite well. The demonstrated application which is the simple current-mode equivalence of Tow Thomas biquad is applied by both CCCIIs. Based on the 99MHz desired pole-frequency, the visible deviations in biquad's responses are inspected to approximate the causes which are the awful current/voltage transfer gains of the translinear structure and the somewhat unpleasant trans-resistance of the balanced differential-pair structure. Both structures are evidently not perfect as there are pros and cons to be traded-off. The balanced differential-pair CCCII is good in obtaining moderate performances with restricted resources, while the translinear-based CCCII can be excellent if there is no limitations. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.