Power estimation methods for analog circuits for architecturalexploration of integrated systems

摘要

This paper describes methods for analog-power estimation andnapplies them practically to two different classes of analog circuits.nSuch power estimators, which return a power estimate given only anblock's specification values without knowing its detailed circuitnimplementation, are valuable components for architectural explorationntools and hence interesting for high-level system designers. As annillustration, two estimators are presented: one for high-speednanalog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and one for analog-continuous timenfilters. The ADC power estimator is a technology scalable closed formulanand yields first-order results within an accuracy factor of about 2.2nfor the whole class of high-speed Nyquist-rate ADCs. The filter-powernestimator is of a more complex nature. It uses a crude filter synthesis,nin combination with operational transconductor amplifier behavioralnmodels to generate accurate results as well, but restricted to certainnfilter implementations