High-speed serial data transmission circuit for image sensors

Description

This project focuses on the design and implementation of a complete analog front-end for high-speed serial communications based on the emerging MIPI C-PHY protocol. The system incorporates a built-in self-test (BIST) architecture that allows validation and diagnostics on the chip itself, ensuring reliable performance evaluation after manufacturing. The MIPI C-PHY standard uses a three-level signaling scheme over three wires per lane, achieving higher data transmission speed while reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improving signal integrity compared to conventional binary physical layers. The research also addresses the replication and optimization of the technology to compete in speed with large corporations in the sector.

Background

Alberto is a PhD in Microelectronics (2023), with a thesis focused on the development of low-power solar energy harvesters for wireless sensor nodes, performing three full tape-outs in 180nm TSMC technology. He holds a Master's degree in Advanced Electronic Engineering from FH Joanneum (Austria) and a degree in Automation Technology from the University of Applied Sciences Mannheim (Germany). Professionally, he has worked at the research institute IMMS (Germany) in mixed-signal control logic and at Microtest (Italy), where he designed analog IPs for the automotive sector and front-ends for image sensors that included Wilkinson-type ADCs.

Motivation

His main motivation is to push microelectronic design to the limits of current technology capabilities, with the aim of achieving performance levels comparable to those of large companies in the sector. He is passionate about the design of analog integrated circuits (IC Design) and high-speed data transmission (High Speed SerDes). Through his work at the UPC Chip Chair, he seeks to consolidate design flows that include everything from simulation and layout to the integration of advanced tests, contributing to innovation in the field of image sensors and photonics. At the same time, he develops communication and scientific dissemination activities focused on the design of analog integrated circuits through the website Miscircuitos.com, with a special emphasis on practical and intuitive explanations of everyday circuit design problems.