MISCHTECHNOLOGIE MEMS/BICMOS LC BANDPASS-SIGMA- DELTA FÜR DIREKTE FUNKFREQUENZABTASTUNG

An improved sigma-delta modulator is disclosed. The sigma-delta modulator utilizes Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) technology coupled with on-chip LC networks. MEMS switches are used to switch capacitors and inductors in and out of the network to alter the center frequency and tuning range of the sigma-delta modulator, thus eliminating active components in each LC network. Furthermore, the use of MEMS switches improves the Q of each LC network relative to previous on-chip sigma-delta modulator designs. The increased Q of each LC network reduces or eliminates the need for active Q-enhancement circuitry and improves the inherent filter shape within the loop of the sigma-delta modulator. In addition, the distortion of active components with the loop of the sigma-delta modulator also is improved. The addition of a decimator to the chip presents a complete single chip LC sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter.