Design Approaches to Field-Programmable Analog Integrated Circuits

Abstract

The drive towards shorter design cycles for analog integrated circuits has given impetus to several developments in the area of Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs). Various approaches have been taken in implementing structural and parametric programmability of analog circuits. Recent extensions of this work have married FPAAs to their digital counterparts (FPGAs) along with data conversion interfaces, to form Field-Programmable Mixed-Signal Arrays (FPMAs). This survey paper reviews work to date in the area of programmable analog and mixed-signal circuits. The body of work reviewed includes university and industrial research, commercial products and patents. A time-line of important achievements in the area is drawn, the status of various activities is summarized, and some directions for future research are suggested.