Precision AFEs for Current Measurement are available for analog ASICintegration

Both IPs offer the same reliable and linear Current Input AFE of the SCi310. The SCi209 also includes a Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) and Sample and Hold (S & H) function. The SCi210 incorporates the same functions as SCi209 with addition of complete digital control of all aspects of the front end via an SPI Interface (IP module or ASIC).

The SCi209 and SCi210 provide a complete signal path between sensor system and analogue-to-digital converter chosen by customer to suit their application needs. The advantage of having two versions is that customers who make a SoC solution would benefit from integrating SCi209 and for those inclined towards an ASIC solution, the more suitable version would be SCi210.

Since it is more convenient to process signals in terms of voltages rather than currents, it is intuitive to employ the functionality of a current-to-voltage converter prior any further analogue signal processing. The highly linear current to voltage conversion is achieved by using a proprietary Transimpendance Amplifier (TIA) architecture with 8 digitally programmable current ranges, extending from 8uA-1mA, making the block suitable for connection to a wide variety of sensors with varying full scale current outputs. The programmable gain amplifier (PGA) that follows is capable of voltage gain up to 1296. It is arranged to either amplify differential in current or its absolute value. The signal path terminates with the sample and hold circuit. The bandgap and block for references generate temperature independent voltage references and bias currents for the entire IP Module/ASIC.

One of the functionalities the AFEs provide is maintaining the constant voltage at the input pin for all operating modes and input currents. This additional benefit is especially useful when biasing PiN diodes in photoconductive region. The photoconductive region is preferred over photovoltaic region because of its linearity.

SCi210 and SCi209 bring significant advantage to ASICs used in a large variety of applications – optical systems, pollution-detectors and monitoring, water treatment and processing, HVAC engineering industries, amperometric applications, chemical species identification, car engine control systems, navigation systems, precision process control, electrochemical blood glucose meter, X-ray detection systems, CT scanners or generally anywhere where photodiode sensors are being used, etc.

Since SCi210 and SCi209 provide direct interface to the sensor systems with current output and especially because of an integrated Programmable Gain Amplifier, they are ideally suited for measuring small currents in applications including bio industry, medical, environmental, agriculture, aquaculture, food, ecology (soil, air, water pollution monitoring), photonics, energy & process control (smart meters & grids), instrumentation, automotive & security, military equipment & aircraft, mobile phones & gadgets, PCs & laptops with built-in sensors.

The IPs can be easily modified to accommodate customisable current ranges on demand, for instance:  high current detection up to 10mA (for the industrial applications), rearrangement of PGA gain. It can also be upgraded for multi-channel inputs, etc.

“Although the SCi209 design has been silicon proven and SCi210 simulation proven in TSMC 0.18um,” said Damir Vuk , CEO and a co-founder of Systemcom. “We can help JVD to port the technology to other foundries to meet their customer’s expectations. The SCi210 and SCi209 are developed by the Systemcom team and now are available for integration into JVD Analog ASICs thanks to the relationship between JVD and Systemcom announced in 2013.”

JVD’s approach to ASIC design, called iASICs, shatters most conventional analog IC design methodology by embodying a full custom approach. iASICs create the smallest chips and thus guarantee customers the lowest total cost solution.

Access to the Systemcom’s design resources expands the company’s portfolio of design skills and capabilities, from the area of the automotive ASICs to mobile devices and bio-medicine technology especially for applications that incorporate nanotechnology biosensors.