Switching Noise and Grounding of Mixed-Mode Circuits

Abstract

Switching noise, also known as delta-I noise, is caused by the switching of on-chip digital circuits and the inductance of bonding wires and lead frames. Switching noise causes a serious degradation of the signal integrity and performance of mixed analog-digital systems by changing on-chip supply voltage and ground potential, lowering the noise margins of digital circuits, altering the dc operating point of analog circuits, and reducing the effective gate voltages. Minimizing switching noise is critical for the reliable operation of mixed analog-digital circuits. This chapter deals with the analysis and design considerations of switching noise. Section 7.1 examines the causes of switching noise and the factors that affect switching noise. The effect of switching noise on the performance of both analog and digital circuits is investigated in Section 7,2. The analysis of switching noise is investigated in Section 7.3. Section 7.4 is concerned with switching noise reduction techniques. The grounding considerations of mixed analog-digital circuits are investigated in Section 7.5. The chapter is summarized in Section 7.6.