Objective
The purpose of this lab is to perform AC analysis of a single-stage operational amplifier (op-amp) using Cadence. We
will simulate the frequency response, determine key parameters such as AC gain, phase, 3-dB bandwidth, and unity
gain frequency (UGF).
Materials and Equipment
• Software: Cadence Virtuoso ADE L
• Components:
o Single Stage Operational Amplifier Symbol
o Non-inverting terminal (vinp)
o Inverting terminal (vinn)
o Power supply (vdd and vss)
Procedure
3.1 Circuit Setup
1. Op-Amp Symbol Creation:
o Create the symbol for the single-stage op-amp.
o Include non-inverting and inverting terminals labeled as vin1 and vin2, respectively.
2. Setting the Inputs:
o vin1: DC Voltage = 1 V, AC Magnitude = 1 µV, AC Phase = 0°
o vin2: DC Voltage = 1 V, AC Magnitude = 1 µV, AC Phase = 180°
o vdd = 1.8 V, vss = 0 V
o C=1 pF
3.2 AC Analysis Setup
1. In the ADE L window, select the Stimuli tab.
2. Choose the following settings:
o Analysis Type: AC Analysis
o Sweep Variable: Frequency
o Frequency Range: 10 Hz to 10 GHz
o Sweep Type: Logarithmic
o Points per Decade: 10
Table for W/L Ratio of different MOSFETS
S.No. W L W/L
PM0 15 um 1 um 15
PM1 15 um 1 um 15
NM0 7 um 1 um 7
NM1 7 um 1 um 7
NM2 13 um 1 um 13
NM3 13 um 1 um 13
Circuit Diagram
1. Single Stage OP-Amp Schematic
2. Symbol
Calculations
3.3 Running the Simulation
1. After setting the inputs, click on Netlist & Run.
2. Once the simulation is complete, go to Results and select Direct Plot.
Calculate the following parameters from the plot:
o AC Magnitude
o AC dB10
o AC dB20
o AC Phase
o AC Gain & Phase
o AC Magnitude & Phase
o 3-dB Bandwidth
o Unity Gain Frequency (UGF)
3.4 Using the Calculator for Analysis
1. Open the Calculator in the ADE L window (Tools > Calculator).
2. To calculate the voltage gain Vout/Vin 1
o Select the output node using the vf option in the calculator.
o Then select the input node (vin 1) and divide by Vout
3. From the calculator, you can derive other critical parameters such as:
o 3-dB Bandwidth
o Unity Gain Frequency (UGF)
• The 3-dB bandwidth is the frequency range where the amplifier maintains its gain within 3 dB of the
maximum. This is critical for understanding the frequency response of the op-amp.
• The Unity Gain Frequency (UGF) is where the gain of the amplifier drops to 1 (0 dB). This parameter is
important for evaluating the amplifier’s performance in closed-loop systems.
6. Conclusion
This experiment successfully demonstrated how to perform an AC analysis of a single-stage operational amplifier. The
key parameters like gain, phase, 3-dB bandwidth, UGF, and power consumption were calculated and verified using
simulation in Cadence.
