BPN987: A VCO-based Precision Sensing Platform

Abstract: 

As artificial intelligence and edge computing industries continue to expand, there is a growing demand for adaptive wireless sensors capable of high-precision and low-power data acquisition. Recent studies in sensing interfaces have achieved uV-level precision with uW-level of power per channel. Among various architectures, VCO (voltage-controlled oscillator)-based structure draws attention due to its compact area and scalability with advanced technology nodes. However, inherent VCO nonidealities such as V-F nonlinearity and PVT variations, limit the maximal achievable SNDR and dynamic range performance of VCO-based ADCs. In addition, the application-specific conditions such as motion artifact and electrode DC offset, introduce further challenges to robust sensor performance. This work proposes a VCO-based sensing platform that leverages system-level mitigation techniques to overcome VCO nonidealities and application-specific challenges, enabling high-precision, low-power, and scalable sensor interfaces.

Project currently funded by: Industry Sponsored Research

Publication date: 
February 22, 2026
Publication type: 
BSAC Project Materials (Current)
Citation: 
PREPUBLICATION DATA - ©University of California 2026

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