Analytical Figure of Merit Evaluation of RNMC Networks for Low-Power Three-Stage OTAs

In this paper the reversed nested Miller compensation (RNMC) approach is reviewed and its design equations are presented. After introducing two new compensation techniques, a coherent and comprehensive comparison of the available solutions is performed by means of a figure of merit expressing the trade-off among gain-bandwidth product, load capacitance and total transconductance, for equal values of phase margin. The proposed comparison outlines useful design guidelines for the optimization of the overall amplifier performance. Simulations proving the effectiveness of the suggested design methodology and analytical comparison are included, showing the substantial advantage of one of the proposed solutions.