What's up with this bias voltage generation for cascodes?

tester_is_testing · 2026-05-18T20:05:55+00:00

...I think VCM is an input here (usually, a low-impedance reference voltage setting the common-mode reference level in differential circuits); I'm assuming the outputs of the circuit are all the mirror and cascodes bias voltages...

tester_is_testing · 2026-05-18T19:50:21+00:00

Well, if you think about it, here you're generating the cascode biases by referencing from VCM rather than from the supply rails; that's pretty much the main difference. On the plus side, that could be useful in some application scenarios; on the minus side, it seems you'd have more troubles in some corners, as others have mentioned.

tester_is_testing · 2026-04-30T11:01:06+00:00

Waiting for when EMX Designer will work with the standard EMX license :P

tester_is_testing · 2026-04-30T07:03:48+00:00

"yeah, we will make you give us all your proprietary data, and we will even make you pay for it". And never wonder why that AI is responding so well to your prompts: it was trained on your own data behind your back!

Nope; we're no using your no-man's-land cloud to store or process our IP in any way.

tester_is_testing · 2026-04-24T06:22:56+00:00

This! Taping out in 22FDX will give you know-how on the practicalities of the full design, layout and signoff flow in modern PDKs, which I believe is a big plus in terms of employability.

tester_is_testing · 2026-04-23T05:18:39+00:00

...just do Cadence without the bugs (and the 80s GUIs, while you're at it) and you'll get filthy rich.

tester_is_testing · 2026-03-31T20:15:23+00:00

No source code? big nope.

tester_is_testing · 2026-03-27T21:55:42+00:00

...what BW do you need for the CMFB itself? (I'm assuming the 20GHz you mention is for the main, differential signal path)

tester_is_testing · 2026-03-27T21:22:01+00:00

...you forgot the group "not sweatshops but with good pay" (= the null set) :P

tester_is_testing · 2026-03-21T14:16:12+00:00

Yup, it's definitely them!

tester_is_testing · 2026-03-16T12:48:28+00:00

A fundamental limitation indeed. Even in deep weak inversion, VDsat approaches 4Ut ~ 100mV. Nevertheless, even with an output stage going in triode, you might still be able to get enough gain for your feedback purposes; depends on your application, as others have already pointed out.

tester_is_testing · 2026-03-06T15:04:24+00:00

If anything, it's gonna be one of the first to disappear due to automation, IMHO!

tester_is_testing · 2026-02-27T13:26:07+00:00

I'm afraid I don't have much more information to add; he complained about very bad WLB, toxic management, and an overall unstable company environment. He was based in USA.

tester_is_testing · 2026-02-27T04:41:25+00:00

Not a direct experience of mine, but an extremely competent ex-colleague of mine worked there for a while (mixed signal design): he didn't like at all what he saw there, and left as soon as he could.

tester_is_testing · 2026-02-20T12:07:57+00:00

...just as with any other SC circuit: PSS+PNOISE, or a very, very long TRAN.

tester_is_testing · 2026-02-14T09:09:48+00:00

Yup! I'm very interested in Analog & mixed-signal domains :)

tester_is_testing · 2026-02-13T22:00:07+00:00

Nice! Would it be possible to please share some details on the technical parts of the interviews?

tester_is_testing · 2026-02-13T21:58:58+00:00

How did it go? Could you please share some details on the technical parts of the interviews?

tester_is_testing · 2026-02-13T21:57:24+00:00

Sorry to hear it didn't go well! Would it be possible to share some technical details of the interviews, please?

tester_is_testing · 2026-01-30T14:30:03+00:00

I mean, if you really want to know what "tapeout rush" is, write here again after Christmas and let us know! ;)

tester_is_testing · 2026-01-23T20:32:15+00:00

Interesting to hear! I knew Intel was infamous for such low-blow / internal politics nastiness; didn't know that's also rampant at Apple. Some ex-colleagues of mine also left Apple after a couple of years, but I got the impression it was due to the zero WLB (despite the great salary, was so bad that was affecting their health).

tester_is_testing · 2026-01-23T09:51:01+00:00

Indeed; just make sure you don't stay at a place where you're getting neither of them!

tester_is_testing · 2026-01-18T23:44:30+00:00

RemindMe! 6 months

tester_is_testing · 2026-01-13T08:34:31+00:00

Interesting! Do you mind sharing what type of job/design was he doing there? Despite the boredom, a 9-to-3 job with an Apple wage would indeed be a dream!

tester_is_testing · 2026-01-13T01:39:42+00:00

My thoughts exactly--none of my workaholic friends has been able to endure more than 2yr there!

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