Low-Power Mixed-Signal Circuits: The Challenge of Technology Scaling

Abstract:
Mobile computing is transforming the way we do our work, communicate and spend our leisure time. PDAs, mobile phones or mp3 players are just examples of established systems. The emerging notion of ubiquitous computing and autonomous microsystems will bring this revolution one step further. Microsystem technologies and system integration provide the necessary miniaturization and high functionality for mixed-signal systems in such applications as telecommunication, automotive, sensor networks, building maintenance, medical supervision and product surveillance. Power dissipation is one of the specifications that not only affect the operation life time of the system but will also determine the thermal budget and to a great extend the size and the cost of the product. This paper discusses some of the challenges met in designing low-power mixed-signal circuits.