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Power Control Integrated Circuit

Introduction

This project consisted of a design and development of a power control integrated circuit. The IC contained analog and digital circuits, an analog to digital converter, voltage reference, control interface and 10 high voltage MOSFETs, which were placed in isolation wells within the IC substrate.

Customer Objectives

Capability to switch AC voltages >600 Volts to a set of loads
10 Loads
Control the power delivered to the loads
Analog to digital conversion immune to system noise
Digital control interface
IC development completion in < 9 months
Minimal chip size

Results

A design team was assembled, the appropriate foundry and IC technology were chosen, and the analog parts of the chip were designed using circuit theory. Models for performance of various sections were developed and extensive simulations were carried out to ensure needed performance was obtained. Numerous design reviews were held during transistor level design and layout to minimize errors. A chip hardware emulator was concurrently designed and built to verify performance in the product of the future chip. Also, concurrently, test beds for testing the chip and reference designs for marketing purposes were developed.

As a result, the chip was completed on schedule in less than 9 months with zero design errors; successfully performed in various systems which were presented to customers. The price was competitive and satisfied the customer needs.

April 05, 2010

Optical Transceiver (10 Gbps)

Introduction

This project consisted of a Microcontroller with embedded firmware used to control an optical transceiver and several Microwave driver and amplifier ICs. The customer was a semiconductor IC manufacturer.

Objectives

Control all functions of the transceiver.
Maintain stability over temperature of laser
Implement control system suitable for edge emitter lasers and VCSEL lasers
Manage receiver timing settings
Design suitable microwave circuits for electrical to optical interface
Implement XFP and SFP interface protocols substantially in firmware

Results

A digital control system and transceiver control firmware embedded in a Microcontroller were produced and delivered to a customer. Circuits with Microwave drivers and amplifiers were implemented. Customer used the solution to deliver 45 different SKUs of reference designs customized to the requirements of numerous network companies.

April 05, 2010

Laser Control Integrated Circuit

Introduction

This project consisted of the architecture design for an IC containing analog and digital circuits used as part of an integrated controller for a 1 Gb/sec Optical Transceiver.

Customer Objectives

Determine internal block diagrams of a custom system IC.
Derive and document detailed analog specifications for each IC functional block
Address all product functional specifications
Conduct detailed models for each analog component including laser and photodiode
Conduct computer simulations for overall analog and digital performance
Make timing calculations and accuracy calculations to comply with product specifications

Results

The architecture was delivered to the customer. Worst case calculations for all of the analog blocks determined the design path for a 90 nm integrated circuit. Calculations of performance for each block of the integrated circuit were simulated and an error budget was established. A special test tone signal was incorporated in the design in order to maintain laser stability over temperature and aging without disruption of data transmission.

April 05, 2010

EMC, ESD and EMP Test Tooling

Introduction

The need arose for an internal tool to be used for EMC/ESD/EMP compliance testing, testing of high voltages in power supplies, circuits under test subject to ESD, for scope isolation of highly disruptive RF signals in the product under test.

Objectives

Obtain isolation of 20,000 Volts
Capability of Common Mode high frequency isolation
Compatibility with oscilloscope

Results

A pair of optically isolated transmitters were developed containing a laser diode which would transmit analog and digital signals from two locations in the unit under test. The receiver contains photodetectors and amplifiers which recover signals and sends them to an oscilloscope for observation. This internal test tool has proven to be critical in resolving problems dealing with RF interference and high voltage testing.

For more details on this test tool, please send a request using the contact form.

April 05, 2010

Precision Clock Control System

Introduction

This project consisted of a quadruple control system in embedded firmware using a microcontroller and other mixed signal circuits.

Objectives

Coordinate operation and timing of 4 simultaneous digital feedback control systems.
Maintain temperature of a cesium cell
Maintain temperature of a VCSEL laser.
Apply appropriate stable bias to laser.
Apply various modulation frequencies to the laser.
Detect responses to the applied modulation frequencies.
Apply intelligent algorithm to detect specific nonlinear transitions in system
Adjust a precision local oscillator clock according to responses

Results

A DSP algorithm was used to detect certain nonlinear transitions. A nonlinear mathematical model was created to assist the algorithm with the detection process. The transitions were used as feedback to achieve certain set points in the quadruple feedback control system. The system achieved clock setting and stability in the few parts per million.
System was delivered to the customer accompanied with a Graphical User Interface to assist in further Research.

April 05, 2010