Chipidea Introduces Wide Portfolio of Programmable Sigma-Delta Data Converter Cores to Support Multiple Applications

Update: MIPS Technologies Acquires Chipidea (August 27, 2007)

Programmable sampling frequencies support multiple standards ranging from cellular and mobile TV to WiFi and WiMAX for both high-performance and low power operation

LISBON, Portugal – Oct, 2, 2006 – Chipidea®, the world leader in analog/mixed-signal merchant technology, is the first IP company to introduce a wide-ranging portfolio of sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters that are programmable for either high-performance or low power consumption for a multitude of applications ranging from cellular communications to mobile TV, FM radio, WiFi and more. These cores are optimized for high resolution and lower power in signal bands up to 10MHz and are designed to complement to high speed converters based on pipeline technology.

The programmability of the new sigma-delta ADCs from Chipidea is designed to support a multitude of standards with signal bandwidths ranging from 100 KHz to 10MHz. This programmability provides chip designers with the maximum flexibility to configure their systems to support various standards including EGPRS, CDMA, and WCDMA/UMTS for cellular communications; mobile TV; WiFi and WiMAX, FM radio, and other general purpose applications. Furthermore, these IP blocks can be configured for either high-performance or low power consumption for each of the applications and frequency ranges in order to maximize battery life. Integrated programmable decimation filters aid in the support of several standards.

The wide programmability of the sigma-delta ADCs enables the ADC to support a wide frequency range while simultaneously offering power dissipation optimization versus performance. This programmability provides the flexibility to configure the ADC specifically for each application in a device that can support multiple wireless, wireline or other general purpose standards. This supports the goals of integrated device manufacturers, Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) vendors, Application-Specific Standard Product (ASSP) vendors and fabless IC or IP providers.

“In developing this portfolio of sigma-delta ADCs, Chipidea worked in close collaboration with customers to ensure that the programmability provides a highly-adaptable interface for their specific applications,” said Nuno Ramalho, vice president and director of IP System Solutions for Chipidea. “New categories of portable consumer products demand support for multiple applications and a variety of standards while delivering robust performance. At the same time, these ADCs must preserve precious battery life while allowing applications to run longer on a single charge. Chipidea’s wide portfolio of ADCs addresses these challenges by offering programmability in a small area.”  

Chipidea offers this ADC as a fully integrated block in standard digital CMOS which eliminates extra process options during System-on-Chip (SoC) integration. These IP blocks are particularly suitable for SoC integration due to the inherent robustness of sigma-delta technology and good immunity to interference from power supplies and substrate noise. The converter IP can be offered as a single, standalone ADC, as a matched IQ-ADC or as part of a complete analog front end, with a PLL for clock generation, and analog and digital filters. The IP is now available in 0.18-micron, 130 nanometer (nm) and 65nm technologies and is portable to any foundry processes in 130nm, 90nm or 65 nm. The low power consumption benchmark for the sigma-delta ADCs is 4.5mA for 64dB in 3MHz. This functionality is provided by a small IP block that measures less than 0.42 mm2 due to efficient implementation and programmability.

“We have developed a highly programmable Sigma-Delta ADC with an extensive frequency range, while retaining very competitive power consumption and silicon size,” said Carlos Azeredo Leme, CTO of Chipidea. “The switched capacitor technology contributes to the robustness of the IP and eases porting to many different foundries and processes down to 65 nanometers.”

Chipidea’s CI3621tl and CI3621ul  is a 13-11 bits, 120 MHz Programmable Sigma Delta ADC with 200kHz and- 4 MHz BW. The CI3617tn , is a 11 bits, 120 MHz Sigma Delta ADC with 4 MHz BW, For more information on Chipidea’s sigma-delta data converter IP, please visit http://www.chipidea.com/website/products/ip/fullcatalog.do

About Chipidea

Chipidea Microelectrónica S.A. is the world’s leading provider of analog/mixed-signal silicon intellectual property, according to market researcher Gartner Dataquest Inc. The company is a key supplier to system-on-chip designers targeting fast-growing market segments in wireless communications, digital media, and consumer electronics. With the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of silicon-proven technology across a variety of product lines, Chipidea offers the widest breadth of intellectual property solutions for the world’s multi-function integrated circuit industry. Chipidea works hand-in-hand with its customers to ensure that its unique analog/mixed signal expertise results in silicon success. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, Chipidea employs 230 people in research, development, sales and marketing offices across Europe, Asia and North America. Information about Chipidea can be found at www.chipidea.com.