Bandpass sigma-delta modulator employing SAW resonator as loop filter

Continuous-time bandpass (BP) sigma-delta modulators (Sigma Delta Ms) employing surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators as loop filters are presented. Compared with the loop filters realized with G(m)-C and LC resonators, the SAW resonator has the advantage of high-Q factor, wide resonant frequency range and accurate resonant frequency without the need for automatic tuning. With the proposed anti-resonance cancellation and loop filter phase compensation techniques, a second- and a fourth-order BP Sigma Delta Ms are demonstrated in a 0.35-mu m CMOS technology. Both modulators are tested with 47.3-MHz off-chip SAW resonators. The second-order modulator attains a dynamic range of 57 dB and peak signal-to-noise distortion ratio (SNDR) of 54 dB and the fourth-order one achieves a dynamic range of 69 dB and peak SNDR of 66 dB, both in a 200-kHz signal bandwidth. The fourth-order modulator is also measured in a 3.84-MHz signal bandwidth and achieves a dynamic range of 52.5 dB and peak SNDR of 50 dB, an effective 8-bit resolution.