Design of a Tunable Gain CMOS Current Feedback Instrumentation Amplifier for Space Applications

This research proposes a novel design for a current feedback instrumentation amplifier (CFIA) with a high common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) and programmable gain for diverse applications, including industrial, biomedical, and space systems. The parameters essential for achieving optimal performance are validated by simulating the circuit using 180 nm CMOS technology. The design of the proposed CFIA is implemented using an active block of bandwidth and transconductance enhanced folded cascode operational amplifier (BTE-FC), and a common mode feedback circuit. The proposed CFIA structure exhibits a differential gain that can be adjusted within the range of 0 to 60 dB, while its CMRR is 154.419 dB with a power dissipation of circuit is 2.43 mW and its cross-sectional area of 167.03 mu m x 185 mu m. The temperature range of the designed instrumentation amplifier is -40-125 degrees C. The proposed design's robustness has been evaluated through Process, Voltage, and Temperature analysis alongside post-layout simulations. The effectiveness of the proposed design has been showcased through a comparative analysis with existing literature. The design proposed in this article demonstrates a high precision CMOS instrumentation amplifier with tunable gain and high CMRR, that is applicable in various domains, including space applications such as spacecraft instrumentation, environmental monitoring in space missions, and precise data acquisition for spaceborne scientific research. The inclusion of space applications underscores the amplifier's robustness and reliability in harsh environments, making it suitable for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial use.