Highly-linear continuous-time filter for a 3-volt supply with

Abstract

A continuous-time filter is highly linear even when used with reduced 3-volt power supplies. In each stage of a multi-stage ladder network, resistor networks are attached to each input of a differential op amp. Each resistor network uses fixed resistors in series between the inputs and an intermediate node, and a fixed input resistor between the intermediate node and the op-amp input. The fixed input resistor improves linearity compared with a linear transistor. A transistor connects the internal node to ground, acting as a variable resistor to adjust the equivalent resistance of the resistor network. A control voltage applied to the gate of the transistor is generated by an analog control loop. The control voltage is the voltage input to a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in a phase-locked loop (PLL). The analog PLL control loop adjusts the control voltage and the resistance continuously as the filter operates. A voltage comparator detects when the control voltage is out of a range, activating a calibration signal. Filtering stops and a digital successive-approximation register adjusts capacitances of feedback capacitors around the op amps. The capacitance in the VCO is also adjusted, changing the control voltage. Capacitance converges to the desired value by comparing the control voltage to a mid-range target voltage.