Development of high-performance ADCs

High-performance ADC research and development based on user perspectives
The demand for ADCs used in conjunction with various sensors is expanding due to the electrification of automobiles, the digitalization of industrial equipment, and the proliferation of sensor networks via IoT. As sensor performance improves, higher performance is also required for ADCs. SANEI HYTECHS is committed to developing multi-method, high-performance ADCs to maximize sensor performance.
INDEX

What are ADCs

ADC stands for Analog to Digital Converter. It is an LSI that converts analog signals into digital signals. It digitizes continuous analog signals from around us, such as sound, temperature, and light, and converts them into a format that can be processed by computers and microprocessors.
ADC Application Examples
ADC Application Examples
ADCs are an essential technology for processing physical signals received by sensors as digital signals. In recent years, the demand for ADCs that work in conjunction with sensors has been increasing, driven by the electrification of automobiles, the digitalization of industrial equipment, and the proliferation of sensor networks through IoT. To meet these market needs, we are focusing on developing ADCs that pursue high precision, high speed, and low power consumption, leveraging our semiconductor technology. In particular, we are advancing the development of high sampling rate ADCs and high resolution ADCs for next-generation IoT devices and AI.

SANEI HYTECHS' Strengths in ADC Development

SANEI HYTECHS develops high-quality ADCs by leveraging the following strengths.

Integrated In-House Development System

We possess EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools and licenses that enable us to complete everything in-house, from circuit design to layout in LSI design. This allows us to proceed with each stage of design, simulation, and layout quickly and securely.

Capability to Support Diverse Semiconductor Processes

We have a proven track record of development in numerous semiconductor processes, regardless of various foundries or customers' in-house factories. We flexibly support PDK installation and development environment setup, enabling smooth development.

Commitment to ADC Research and Development

SANEI HYTECHS advances ADC research and development with a focus on four key points.

Reflecting User Perspectives and the Latest Technology Trends

Through our analog circuit design and layout design business, we directly listen to the voices of many customers and reflect their needs in our development. Furthermore, we incorporate the latest industry trends to design high-performance ADCs that combine practicality and market requirements.

Developing ADC Circuits for High Power Efficiency

ADCs tend to consume more power as their conversion speed and resolution (SNR) increase. However, in today's demand for high-speed, high-resolution ADCs, reducing power consumption is a critical issue. SANEI HYTECHS is working on developing ADCs that maximize power efficiency by optimizing the balance of speed, resolution, and power, utilizing our circuit design technology cultivated over many years.

Achieving Miniaturization (Small Area)

We are also focusing on developing compact ADCs for efficient integration within ICs. We pursue miniaturization as much as possible from the design stage.

Rapid Delivery System

SANEI HYTECHS has established a development system that consistently handles everything from circuit design, layout, to evaluation. As a result, we can quickly provide ADCs as IP (Intellectual Property). We also flexibly accommodate customization to meet specific customer specifications and requirements.

Achievements in ADC Development

Here, we introduce SANEI HYTECHS's ADC development achievements. We possess in-house developed IP that supports various ADC circuit architectures to suit different applications. Furthermore, we offer a comprehensive range of peripheral circuit IP necessary for implementing ADCs in ICs, meeting the diverse needs of our customers.
Circuit method Main Applications
Delta-sigma (ΔΣ) Measurement instruments, audio, high-precision sensors
Successive Approximation Register (SAR) General-purpose, Micro-Controller built-in, low-power sensors
Pipeline Industrial & medical equipment, video, communication

ADC performance range and SANEI HYTECHS development Achievements and Plans

Achievements / Case | LSI Circuit Design | ADC

We have a wide range of applications, including audio, industrial, and medical equipment.

In-house developed ADC IP list

ADC IP List

* Delta Sigma ADCs are currently under development. Values are target values.
Element Description & Performance
(Design Value)		 Features
Pipelined ADC (PLADC) Pipelined ADC
16-bit 50MSps
SNR=80db, 3.3V
  • High-speed, high-precision
  • digital correction
  • Built-in reference buffer
Cyclic ADC (CYADC) Cyclic ADC
16-bit 8.5MSps
SNR=81dB, 3.3V
  • High Speed, High-Precision
  • digital correction
  • Built-in reference buffer
SARADC SAR-ADC
12-bit 10MSps
SNR69dB, 1.8V
  • High Speed, Low Power, Small Area
  • Variable sampling rate (100 kSps to 10 MSps)
  • Built-in reference buffer
OS-SAR ADC (SAROS) OverSampling-SARADC
16-bit 125kSps
SNR>80dB, 1.8V
  • High Precision, Low Power, Small Area
  • No required individual trimming
  • Built-in reference buffer
DeltaSigma ADC (DSADC) DeltaSigma ADC
24-bit, 48 kSPS
SNR>100dB, 1.8V
  • High Precision, Low Power, Small Area
  • Bandwidth DC to 20 kHz
  • Built-in reference buffer
Please see the following link for details.

Pipeline ADC / Cyclic ADC IP development

High-speed and high-resolution ADC IP development for industrial equipment, medical equipment, video and communications.

SARADC / OS-SARADC IP development

SANEI HYTECHS is developing low-power, small-area analog-digital converter [ADC] IP SARADC and OS-SARADC for low-power sensors.

Delta Sigma (ΔΣ) ADC IP development

Development of 24-bit ΔΣ ADC IP that achieves high resolution, low power consumption, and compact size.

Peripheral IP List for ADC IP

Element name Contents and Performance (Design Value) Features
PGA Instrumentation amplifier and ADC input buffer with a gain of x1 to x128
  • for SARADC
  • Auto-Zero and Chopping
BGR High Precision Bandgap 1.0V, 0.2% accuracy, 3.3V
  • High Precision, Low Noise
  • Single-point trimming at room temperature
RCOSC High Precision RCOSC 5-80 MHz, 1.5%, 1.8V
  • High Precision, Low Current Consumption
  • Single-point trimming at room temperature

【Coming Soon】Development of high-performance ADC IP peripheral circuits (PGA, BGR, RCOSC)

Development of PGA, BGR, RCOSC that supports SANEI HYTECHS's ADC IPs. High-performance peripheral IPs improves the reliability of the entire system.

Characteristic table of In-House developed ADC IP

Based on years of research and development, and extensive experience, we develop and provide highly unique ADCs to our customers.
  PLADC CYADC SARADC OS-SARADC DSADC
Development year 2021 2021 2023 2023 2024
Process (nm) TSMC 180 TSMC 180 TSMC 180 TSMC 180 TSMC 180
Power supply voltage (V) 3.3 3.3 1.8 1.8 1.8
Resolution (bit) 16 16 12 16 24
Conversion speed (sps) 50M 8.5M 10M 100K 48K
SNR (dBFS) 80 81 69 79.5 100
VREF buffer: Built-in or not Built-in Built-in Built-in Built-in Built-in
Status Evaluated Evaluated Evaluated Evaluated Under Development

Continuous Technological Advancement

To support a wider range of applications, we are advancing the in-house development of ADCs, aiming for higher resolution, higher speed, and lower power consumption. In particular, since improved power efficiency and lower power consumption are desired by all users, we are pursuing continuous improvement that incorporates user requests and aligns with industry trends.

Provision of In-House Developed ADC IP and Process Porting

We offer high-performance ADC IP developed through our own research and development. We also provide process porting services to meet the specific requirements of our customers. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested.

In-house Developed Analog IP Service

We provide high-performance analog IP that meets our customers' needs in a short delivery time.

Evaluation Environment and Support

We provide comprehensive services from semiconductor circuit design to IC prototyping, evaluation environment development, and evaluation. Especially for analog circuits, the following issues are critical.
  • The effects of semiconductor element mismatch
  • Changes in power supply and temperature
  • The effects of power supply and circuit board noise
  • The effects of parasitic resistance and parasitic capacitance

It is not easy to achieve device performance as designed due to these factors. We strive to develop advanced evaluation technologies that minimize these external factors and accurately measure high-precision circuit characteristics. We also offer customized evaluation environment construction to meet your specifications and requirements, so please feel free to contact us. Details on evaluation circuit boards and systems can be found at the following link:

Development of circuit boards and systems for ADC evaluation

High-speed, high-precision ADC evaluation system makes IC characteristic evaluation more efficient. We also can support custom ASIC.
Research and Development