An 8-b 300MS/S folding and interpolating ADC for embedded applications

A 1.4-V 8-bit 300-MS/s folding and interpolating analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is proposed. Fabricated in the 0.13-μm CMOS process and occupying only 0.6-mm2 active area, the ADC is especially suitable for embedded applications. The system is optimized for a low-power purpose. Pipelining sampling switches help to cut down the extra power needed for complete settling. An averaging resistor array is placed between two folding stages for power-saving considerations. The converter achieves 43.4-dB signal-to-noise and distortion ratio and 53.3-dB spurious-free dynamic range at 1-MHz input and 42.1-dB and 49.5-dB for Nyquist input. Measured results show a power dissipation of 34 mW and a figure of merit of 1.14 pJ/convstep at 250-MHz sampling rate at 1.4-V supply. (semiconductor integrated circuits)