• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.432-440
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• 2023

This study introduces an efficient readout circuit designed for two-electrode electrocardiogram (ECG) recording, characterized by its low-noise and low-power consumption attributes. Unlike its three-electrode counterpart, the two-electrode ECG is susceptible to common-mode interference (CMI), causing signal distortion. To counter this, the proposed circuit integrates a common-mode charge pump (CMCP) with a window comparator, allowing for a CMI tolerance of up to 20 V_PP. The CMCP design prevents the activation of electrostatic discharge (ESD) diodes and becomes operational only when CMI surpasses the predetermined range set by the window comparator. This ensures power efficiency and minimizes intermodulation distortion (IMD) arising from switching noise. To maintain ECG signal accuracy, the circuit employs a chopper-stabilized instrumentation amplifier (IA) for low-noise attributes, and to achieve high input impedance, it incorporates a floating high-pass filter (HPF) and a current-feedback instrumentation amplifier (CFIA). This comprehensive design integrates various components, including a QRS peak detector and serial peripheral interface (SPI), into a single 0.18-㎛ CMOS chip occupying 0.54 mm². Experimental evaluations showed a 0.59 µV_RMS noise level within a 1-100 Hz bandwidth and a power draw of 23.83 µW at 1.8 V.

• Journal of Semiconductor Engineering
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.109-118
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• 2021

This review paper describes the overall operating principle of a discrete-time delta-sigma modulator (DTDSM) and a continuous-time delta-sigma modulator (CTDSM) using a switched-capacitor (SC). In addition, research that has solved the problems related to each delta-sigma modulator (DSM) is introduced, and the latest developments are explained. This paper describes the chopper-stabilization technique that mitigates flicker noise, which is crucial for the DSM. In the case of DTDSM, this paper addresses the problems that arise when using SC circuits and explains the importance of the operational transconductance amplifier performance of the first integrator of the DSM. In the case of CTDSM, research that has reduced power consumption, and addresses the problems of clock jitter and excess loop delay is described. The recent developments of the analog front end, which have become important due to the increasing use of wireless sensors, is also described. In addition, this paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of the three-opamp instrumentation amplifier (IA), current feedback IA (CFIA), resistive feedback IA, and capacitively coupled IA (CCIA) methods for implementing instrumentation amplifiers in AFEs.