Knowledge- And simulation-based synthesis of area-efficient passive loop filter incremental zoom-ADC for built-in self-test applications

We propose a fully differential, synthesizable zoom-ADC architecture with a passive loop filter for low-frequency Built-In Self-Test (BIST) applications, along with a synthesis tool that can target various design specifications. We present the detailed ADC architecture and a step-by-step process for designing the zoom-ADC. The design flow does not rely on the extensive knowledge of an experienced ADC designer. Two ADCs have been synthesized with different performance requirements in the 65nm CMOS process. The first ADC achieves a 90.4dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in 512μs measurement time and consumes 17μW power. The second design achieves a 78.2dB SNR in 31.25μs measurement time and consumes 63μW power.