Reset-free memoryless delta-sigma analog-to-digital conversion

This paper presents new techniques to obtain sample-by-sample analog-to-digital conversion using a delta-sigma modulator (DSM) without resetting the modulator or the decimation filter. It is shown that memoryless A/D conversion without reset can be realized using a discrete-time DSM with a signal transfer function (STF) of unity and a Nyquist M -band decimation filter running at the oversampled rate. It is also shown that a delta-sigma ADC preceded by a sample-and-hold at the Nyquist rate is a linear, time-invariant system at the Nyquist rate. This relaxes the constraint on the STF and allows using a multi-rate decimation filter and an equalizer at the Nyquist rate to significantly lower the power in the digital filters. Crosstalk suppression, which is limited by analog imperfections when a fixed-coefficient equalizer is used, is shown to be substantially improved using an adaptive equalizer at the Nyquist rate. A 180-nm prototype operating at 32 MHz and an OSR of 32 demonstrates two-channel operation with crosstalk below 89 dB. It consumes 18.2 mA from a 1.8-V supply, occupies 3.86 mm2 and has DR/SNR/SNDR of 84.2/82.5/80.1 dB.