A 500-MS/s 8-bit SAR ADC Generated from an Automated Layout Generation Framework in 14-nm FinFET Technology

Abstract

This paper presents the process of generating the layout of the 8-bit Successive Approximation Register Analog to Digital Converter (SAR ADC). By utilizing LAYGO2 [1], a Python framework that allows for detailed and flexible specification of custom layout generation processes, code-based generators for the component blocks of a SAR ADC were developed according to their specific operational characteristics and requirements. As a result, 85.5% of the SAR ADC was automatically generated. The SAR ADC test chip was fabricated in a 14-nm CMOS FinFET process and achieved an SNDR of 41.67 dB at 500 MS/s, consuming 2.07 mW from 0.9 V supply, and occupying an area of 4,131 um2