What kind of work is bieng done in analog IC design these days?

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SUMMARY

The current focus in analog IC design is predominantly on delta-sigma data converters, which are recognized as a significant area of interest in the industry. While IC power supply design remains relevant, there is a noticeable shift towards utilizing Digital Signal Processors (DSP) for power regulation, reducing the reliance on traditional analog control methods. A comprehensive understanding of various analog components, including memory circuits, operational amplifiers (opamps), charge pumps, and data converters, is essential for aspiring designers. High-speed applications are increasingly blurring the lines between analog and digital design, emphasizing the need for expertise in analog principles and transmission line theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Delta-sigma data converters
  • Digital Signal Processors (DSP) in power regulation
  • Operational amplifiers (opamps)
  • Transmission line theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in delta-sigma data converter technology
  • Explore the role of Digital Signal Processors (DSP) in analog circuit design
  • Study operational amplifier design and applications
  • Investigate transmission line theory and its implications in high-speed circuit design
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in analog IC design, electrical engineers focusing on high-speed applications, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of analog circuit technologies.

phoenixosu
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I'm starting my masters in analog IC design and am trying to get a feel for what is big in the industry for analog IC design. I have been told that delta-sigma data converters are the biggest area of interest right now. I was hoping that IC power supply design would be an option for me though it sounds as though much of the control of power regulators is being given over to DSP and less to analog control. I know that any instructor/professor I ask will tell me that their area is the biggest area there is.

Would it still be advisable for an analog designer to have more of a breadth of understanding for industry (memory circuits, opamps, charge pumps, data converters, etc)?

The thrust of my question is really "what are the big areas of R&D for analog IC design right now that will persist for a while".
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Anything high speed is analogue even if it's digital
It's a big problem getting designers who have any idea of analogue principles or transmission line theory - when you are trying to run a chip at several GHz nothing is digital anymore
 

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