ANALOG CIRCUITS

LAB
EE-302

Submitted To
Dr. Vinayak Hande

Submitted By
Varun Sharma
Entry No: 2018EEB1193

Submitted On : 24st March 2021

 Experiment – 4
Design a single stage NMOS Differential Amplifier and
Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier

Objective
 Design a single stage NMOS Differential Amplifier with specifications
1. Differential Gain : 45 dB
2. Gain Bandwidth Product : 50 MHz

 Design a Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier with specifications

1. Differential Gain : 55dB
2. Gain Bandwidth Product : 30 MHz

Components and Tools Required

LTspice XVII: For design and simulations
LTspice components and commands used
 .op : DC Operating Point
 .ac : AC Analysis for frequency response
 NMOS4 : Custom NMOS Model
 PMOS4 : Custom PMOS Model
 BSIM_035 MOSFET Library
 .tran : Transient Analysis
 Basic Electrical Components: Voltage Source, Resistor and Capacitor

Theory
Differential Amplifier is a type of electronic amplifier that amplifies the difference between two input signals but
suppresses any voltage common to both of the input signals. With MOS based differential amplifier, we can
amplify the difference by a very large gain and can realize very high bandwidths by setting the W/L ratios and
bias voltages accordingly. The differential amplifiers provide high gain when all its MOS are operating in
saturation region.
Diifertial amplifiers are capable of suppressing Common Mode Noises though differential mode noise requires
more complex circuitry for processing.
Gain Bandwidth Product for an amplifier is the product of the amplifier bandwidth and the gain at which the
bandwidth is measured. It is also known as the unity gain frequency. A frequency at which the gain plot crosses
0dB and the gain of the amplifier is unity.
Full power bandwidth is the frequency range for which the power is greater than half the DC Power. The
corresponding Full Power Bandwidth is given by the 3 dB frequency

For achieving high gain , differential cascode configurations are used. These cascode topologies are connected
between the power supplies and load current sources. Thus, they are also known as telescopic cascodes and the
resulting circuit is symmetric with each output loaded by a cascode current source.
There are various kinds of configurations for a differential amplifier design such as fully differential folded
cascode design, telescopic, cascode and folded cascode design. Differential amplifier offers various advantages
like they are very less sensitive to noise and interferences. They enable us to bias amplifiers and connect multiple
stages without using coupling or bypass capacitors. They provide excellent matching of transistors which is very
critical for differential circuits.
For our experiment, we will be analyzing the NMOS Differential Amplifier and the Telescopic Cascode
Differential Amplifier.

Procedure
We have to analyze the frequency response of an NMOS Differential Amplifier and a Telescopic Cascode
Differential Amplifier. We will analyze the Bode Plot of both of the Differential Amplifier and analyze their
magnitude plot to calculate the DC gain, Maximum Gain, the 3dB frequency and the Gain Bandwidth Product.
Then in order to realize the amplification of the difference in input voltages, we will give sinusoidal inputs to the
input port of each differential amplifier and will analyze the corresponding output and its amplification. In order
for the differential amplifier to work correctly, each of the MOSFET has to be in saturation then only it would be
able to provide high gain. So, before doing the output analysis for sinusoidal inputs, we will establish a DC bias
point for the amplifier that will keep each of the MOS in saturation.
Voltage headroom is a crucial parameter in determining the variations or flexibility we can tolerate in the output
voltage. It has an upper and lower bound and is determined by the overdrive and drain voltages of various
MOSFET’s in the circuit. We need to perform the output analysis keeping in mind that the output voltage curve
must always lies within the range of voltage headroom.
At the end, using our AC Analysis curves, we will design the Differential Amplifiers as per the question gain and
bandwidth requirements. In order to design this amplifier, we will require to alter the bias voltages and load
characteristics.

Assumptions
1. W/L for the NMOS and PMOS can be kept different to match our bias point and gain requirements.
2. For finding the unit gain frequency, very small gain such as 0.1 dB or -0.1 dB are considered as 0 dB only.
This is done bcoz while using cursor, pointing to the exact 0dB point is difficult and outside the precision
of the LTspice plot. Also, the gains of 0.1 or -0.1 dB are not that significant and can be assumed as 0dB
for evaluation. Hence, we will be ignoring these minute values in order to get an almost correct value for
our unity gain frequency.

Circuit Diagram
Single Stage NMOS Differential Amplifier
Element Specifications:
 W/L for M2 , M3 and M5 is 1 with both W and L as 1u.
 W/L for M1 and M4 is 1.75 with W as 1.75u and L is 1u.
 Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier
Element specifications
 W/L for NMOS M5 is 1 with W and L equal to 1u
 W/L for M1-M4 is 10 with W as 10u and L as 1u
 W/L for PMOS M6 – M9 is 1 with W and L as 1u.

AC Analysis
Single Stage NMOS Differential Amplifier
For the AC Analysis, we have to bias each of the MOS in the circuit in saturation. The combination of bias
voltages along with the DC Operating point parameters are shown in the below. op plot.
 The bias voltages for each of the MOS is as follows
𝑉𝑔 − 𝐺𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑉𝑠 − 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑉𝑑 − 𝐷𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑉𝑂𝐷 − 𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑉𝑑𝑠 − 𝐷𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
For saturation, we know that for NMOS
𝑉𝑑𝑠 ≥ 𝑉𝑂𝐷
Where
𝑉𝑂𝐷 = 𝑉𝑔 − 𝑉𝑠 − 𝑉𝑡𝑜
And for PMOS, for saturation
𝑉𝑠𝑑 ≥ 𝑉𝑂𝐷
Where
𝑉𝑂𝐷 = 𝑉𝑠 − 𝑉𝑔 − |𝑉𝑡𝑜|

Below is the voltage biasing for various NMOS in the circuit

NMOS Vg Vs Vd VOD Vds
M1 1 0.34 2.027 0.18 1.687
M4 1 0.34 2.027 0.18 1.687
M5 0.8 0 0.34 0.32 0.34

Below is the voltage biasing for various PMOS in the circuit

PMOS Vs Vg Vd VOD Vsd
M2 3 2.027 2.027 0.493 0.973
M3 3 2.027 2.027 0.493 0.973

From the above specifications, we can conclude that all the MOSFET in our circuit are in saturation for the biasing
specifications given as
VDD 3V
VCM 0.8 V
Vin1 1V
Vin2 1V
Id ( M5 ) 3.7 uA
Id ( M1, M2 , M3 And M4) 1.85 uA

At the above biasing point, the AC Analysis of the differential amplifier is performed for frequency range from 1
Hz to 100 Meg Hz in steps of 100000. The command used for the frequency response analysis is
.ac oct 100000 1 100Meg
AC voltage of magnitude 0.5 and -0.5 is given to the two differential input port as per the question statement.
We get the following magnitude and phase plot for our NMOS Differential Amplifier

The frequency characteristics of the NMOS Differential Amplifier is as follows

DC Gain 34.69 dB
Maximum Gain 37.5499 dB
Maximum Gain Frequency 7.092 KHz
3 dB Frequency 25.178 KHz
Unity Gain Bandwidth 1.1079 MHz
Full Power Bandwidth 25.178 KHz
GAIN BANDWIDTH PRODUCT 1.1079 MHz
 Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier
For the AC Analysis, we have to bias each of the MOS in the circuit in saturation. The combination of bias
voltages along with the DC Operating point parameters are shown in the below. op plot.
Voltage biasing for various NMOS in the circuit is
NMOS Vg Vs Vd VOD Vds
M5 0.8 0 0.44 0.32 0.44
M4 1 0.44 1.99 0.08 1.55
M1 1 0.44 1.99 0.08 1.55

Below is the voltage biasing for various PMOS in the circuit

PMOS Vg Vs Vd VOD Vsd
M3 1.2 2.016 1.99 0.4 0.026
M2 1.2 2.016 1.99 0.4 0.026
M8 1.2 2.227 2.016 0.547 0.211
M9 1.2 2.227 2.016 0.547 0.211
M6 2.016 3 2.227 0.504 0.773
M7 2.016 3 2.227 0.504 0.773

From the above specifications, we can conclude that all the

MOSFET in our circuit are in saturation for the biasing
specifications given as
VDD 3V
VCM 0.8 V
Vin1 1V
Vin2 1V
 Vbias 1.2 V
Id ( M5 ) 3.8386 uA
Id ( others ) 1.919 uA

At the above biasing point, the AC analysis for the Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier gives us the
following plots

The frequency characteristics of the Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier is as follows

DC Gain 34.53 dB
Maximum Gain 42.2 dB
Maximum Gain Frequency 8.96 KHz
3 dB Frequency 180.162 KHz
Unity Gain Bandwidth 6.97 MHz
Full Power Bandwidth 180.162 KHz
GAIN BANDWIDTH PRODUCT 6.97 MHz
AC Output Plots
For the AC output plots, we will be giving sinusoidal input signals of magnitude 1 mV and frequency 1 KHz in
addition to our DC biasing voltage of 1V at each gate terminal.
Single Stage NMOS Differential Amplifier
The input plots at the input terminals looks like
The output plot for this combination of input signals is given as

Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier

The input plots at the input terminals looks like
The output plot for this combination of input signals is given as

Theoretical Range for Output Voltage

The valid range for the output voltage would be the one at which all the transistors are operating in saturation.
Using the conditions for saturation for PMOS and NMOS, we would be evaluating the theoretical range of the
Vout for our operating biasing condition. The values would be taken form the operating point plot that we have
discussed in the AC Analysis section.

Single Stage NMOS Differential Amplifier

For evaluating the minimum value for Vout, we would be using the saturation condition for the NMOS M4. For
M4 to be in saturation
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≥ 𝑉𝑂𝐷(𝑀4)
𝑉𝑂𝐷(𝑀4) = 𝑉𝑖𝑛2 − 𝑉𝑠 − 𝑉𝑡𝑜
𝑉𝑂𝐷(𝑀4) = 1 − 0.34 − 0.48
𝑉𝑂𝐷(𝑀4) = 0.18
Hence,
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≥ 0.18 𝑉
For the maximum value for Vout, we will be using the saturation condition for the PMOS M3. For M3 to be in
saturation
 𝑉𝑠𝑑 ≥ 𝑉𝑠𝑔 − |𝑉𝑡𝑜|
𝑉𝐷𝐷 − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≥ 𝑉𝐷𝐷 − 𝑉𝑑 − |𝑉𝑡𝑜|
3 − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≥ 3 − 2.026 − 0.48
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≤ 2.026 + 0.48
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≤ 2.506 𝑉
Hence, the range of Vout for which the differential amplifier will work with all transistor in saturation is

𝟎. 𝟏𝟖 ≤ 𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒕 ≤ 𝟐. 𝟓𝟎𝟔
Hence, the output that we get on application of a sinusoidal input should lie within this range only for correct
operation of the NMOS Differential Amplifier.

Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier

For evaluating the minimum value for the Vout, we will be using the saturation condition for NMOS M5 , NMOS
M4 and PMOS M3. M5 and M4 are in saturation as we discussed in the AC Analysis part. For M3 to be in
saturation
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≥ 𝑉𝑔 + |𝑉𝑡𝑜|
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≥ 1.2 + 0.48
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≥ 1.68 𝑉
For evaluating the maximum value for Vout, we will use the saturation condition for PMOS M9 and M7.
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≤ 2𝑉𝑑4 − 𝑉𝑑5
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≤ 4.454 − 1.99
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ≤ 2.464
Hence, the range of Vout for which the differential amplifier will work is

𝟏. 𝟔𝟖 ≤ 𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒕 ≤ 𝟐. 𝟒𝟔𝟒
Hence, the output that we get on application of a sinusoidal input should lie within this range only for correct
operation of the Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier

Voltage Headroom
Using the theoretical range of Vout as reference, we would be evaluating the voltage headroom our differential
amplifier provides us when an input sine signal of 1mV is applied at its input terminals.

Single Stage NMOS Differential Amplifier

From the AC Output plots for the NMOS Differential Amplifier, we can evaluate the range in which it acquires
values. The evaluation is given below
The maximum value Vout acquires is 2.135 V.

The minimum value Vout acquires is 1.918 V.

Hence, the range of values acquired by our output is

𝟏. 𝟗𝟏𝟖 ≤ 𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒕 ≤ 𝟐. 𝟏𝟑𝟓

The voltage swing at the output is
𝑉𝑠𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑀𝑎𝑥) − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑀𝑖𝑛)
𝑉𝑠𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 2.135 − 1.918
𝑉𝑠𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 0.217 𝑉
Comparing this range with our theoretical range for Vout given as

0.18 ≤ 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ( 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙) ≤ 2.506

We can conclude that the values taken by our Vout is within the theoretical range and our differential amplifier
will work perfectly for these biasing conditions.
The voltage headroom is basically the variations in the upper and lower output values that we can tolerate keeping
all the MOS in saturation and differential amplifier working correctly.
The positive voltage headroom that we have in our output is
𝑉ℎ𝑟 ( 𝑈𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ) = 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑈𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ) − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ( 𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑈𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟)
𝑉ℎ𝑟 (𝑈𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ) = 2.506 − 2.135
𝑽𝒉𝒓(𝑼𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓) = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟕𝟏 𝑽
Similarly, the negative headroom that we have is
𝑉ℎ𝑟(𝐿𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟) = 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐿𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟) − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝐿𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟)
𝑉ℎ𝑟(𝐿𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟) = 1.918 − 0.18
𝑽𝒉𝒓(𝑳𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓) = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟑𝟖 𝑽
From our analysis, we can observe that we have a headroom of 0.371 V in the upper value and 1.738 V in the
lower value. Our headroom for both ends is quite significant and hence our differential amplifier would be able
to tolerate a significant range of unwanted fluctuations in signals and will continue to work without distorting the
output signal.

Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier

From the AC Output plots for the NMOS Differential Amplifier, we can evaluate the range in which it acquires
values. The evaluation is given below

The maximum value Vout acquires is 2.204 V.

The minimum value Vout acquires is 1.904 V.

Hence, the range of values acquired by our output is

𝟏. 𝟗𝟎𝟒 ≤ 𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒕 ≤ 𝟐. 𝟐𝟎𝟒

Comparing this range with our theoretical range for Vout given as

1.68 ≤ 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ( 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙) ≤ 2.464

We can conclude that the values taken by our Vout is within the theoretical range and our differential amplifier
will work perfectly for these biasing conditions.
The voltage swing at the output is
𝑉𝑠𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑀𝑎𝑥) − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑀𝑖𝑛)
𝑉𝑠𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 2.204 − 1.904
𝑉𝑠𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 0.297 𝑉

The positive voltage headroom that we have in our output is

𝑉ℎ𝑟 ( 𝑈𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ) = 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑈𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ) − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ( 𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝑈𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟)
𝑉ℎ𝑟 (𝑈𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 ) = 2.464 − 2.204
𝑽𝒉𝒓(𝑼𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓) = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟔 𝑽
Similarly, the negative headroom that we have is
𝑉ℎ𝑟(𝐿𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟) = 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐿𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟) − 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝐿𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟)
𝑉ℎ𝑟(𝐿𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟) = 1.904 − 1.68
𝑽𝒉𝒓(𝑳𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓) = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟐𝟒 𝑽
From our analysis, we can observe that we have a headroom of 0.26 V in the upper value and 0.224 V in the lower
value. Our headroom for both ends though smaller than the NMOS Diff. Amplifier but is still quite significant
and hence our differential amplifier would be able to tolerate a significant range of unwanted fluctuations in
signals and will continue to work without distorting the output signal

Design of our required Differential Amplifier

 A single stage NMOS Differential Amplifier with specifications
1. Differential Gain : 45 dB
2. Gain Bandwidth Product: 50 MHz

The condition for designing our amplifier is that we are not allowed to change the value for our load capacitance
Cl and supply voltage Vdd. So, the only way we can change the gain of the amplifier is by varying the values for
W/L ratios for MOS and by changing the Gate Bias Voltage. After trying various combination for W/L and gate
voltage, the following values gave us results closest to the required ones.
W/L values
 35 for NMOS M5 with W as 35u and L as 1u
 70 for NMOS M1 and M4 with W as 70u and L as 1u
 100 for PMOS M2 and M3 with W as 100u and L as 1u
Gate Voltages
 Vin1=1.5 V
 Vin2=1.5 V
The frequency response for these values is as follows

The frequency characteristics of the NMOS Differential Amplifier is as follows

DC Gain 29.92 dB
 Maximum Gain 38.908 dB
Maximum Gain Frequency 10 KHz
3 dB Frequency 2.317 MHz
Unity Gain Bandwidth 49.922 MHz
Full Power Bandwidth 2.317 MHz
GAIN BANDWIDTH PRODUCT 49.922 MHz

 A Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier with specifications

1. Differential Gain : 55 dB
2. Gain Bandwidth Product: 30 MHz

After trying various combination for W/L and gate voltage, the following values gave us results closest to the
required ones.
W/L values
 1 for NMOS M5 with W as 1u and L as 1u
 100 for NMOS M1 and M4 with W as 100u and L as 1u
 10 for PMOS M2 and M3 with W as 10u and L as 1u
 10 for PMOS M8 and M9 with W as 10u and L as 1u
 1 for PMOS M6 and M7 with W as 1u and L as 1u

Gate Voltages
 Vin1=1 V
 Vin2=1 V
 Vbias=1.8 V
The frequency response for these values is as follows
The frequency characteristics of the Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier is as follows
DC Gain 34.616 dB
Maximum Gain 45.308 dB
Maximum Gain Frequency 10.93 KHz
3 dB Frequency 1.156 MHz
Unity Gain Bandwidth 30.4919 MHz
Full Power Bandwidth 1.156 MHz
GAIN BANDWIDTH PRODUCT 30.4919 MHz

Conclusion
NMOS and Telescopic Cascode Differential Amplifier are very important differential amplifier configurations
with respect to IC design and transistor matching. Using LTspice AC Analysis, we were able to analyze the
frequency behavior of these amplifiers specifically in terms of their Gain plot, Gain Bandwidth Product, Power
Bandwidth and other factors with all the transistors in saturated operation. We were also able to realize the
amplification introduced by the amplifiers by giving sinusoidal signal at the input ports and observing the
corresponding output signal gain and swing. By using the theoretical and plot values for the range of output
voltage, we were able to evaluate the possible voltage headroom tolerable at the output. At the end, using our
frequency analysis, we were able to design our amplifiers that provides us the required Gain Bandwidth product
and approximately equal gain as asked in the question.