ECE412 (ECE1396): Analog Signal Processing

Spring 2026
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Toronto

Instructor:
Ali Sheikholeslami

IMPORTANT NOTE: All lectures and tutorials will be held in person in 2026. For annoucements and course material, please login to Quercus

Instructor: Ali Sheikholeslami

BA5138 (inside BA5145), Tel: 978-1681,
Email: ali@ece.utoronto.ca
Office hours: TBA
Lecture Schedule: Wed., 3:00-5:00pm, GB221
Thu., 1:00-2:00pm, BA1190
Tutorial Schedule: Thu., 3:00-5:00pm, BA2155
Assignments: 5 (ECE412), 6 (ECE1396), every two weeks, see Schedule.

Course Description

An overview of continuous-time and discrete-time signal processing techniques, and the analysis and design of the analog and mixed-signal circuit building blocks which are used to implement them in modern electronic systems. Topics covered are: (i) analysis, specification, simulation, and design of continuous-time filters with linear transconductors and op-amps, (ii) phase-domain model, noise model, and design methodology for low phase noise Phase Lock Loops and associated building blocks (VCO, phase-frequency detector, charge pump) (iii) Discrete-time signal analysis using z-transform, (iv) discrete-time filter design based on switched capacitors, and (v) fundamentals, specification, architectures, building blocks (comparator, THA) and characterization techniques for digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters. Cadence Analog Artist is used for lab assignments.

Course Syllabus

Week
 Topics: Chapters
 Assignments Handout Dates
Week #1: 01/04 - 01/10
 Course Overview and Motivation
Week #2: 01/11 - 01/17
 Continuous-Time Filters: 12
Week #3: 01/18 - 01/24
 Distortion and Linearity: 9
 A1: CT Filters
Week #4: 01/25 - 01/31
 Noise: 9

Week #5: 02/01 - 02/07
 Phase Lock Loops: 19
A2: PLL Design
Week #6: 02/08 - 02/14
 PLL Phase Noise, VCO's: 19
Week ##: 02/15 - 02/21
 Reading Week
Reading Week
Week #7: 02/22 - 02/28
 Discrete-Time Signals: 13
Midterm (1.5 hrs during Tutorial)
Week #8: 03/01 - 03/07
 Switched-Capacitor Circuits: 14
 A3: SC Filter Design
Week #9: 03/08 - 03/14
 SHA and THA, SC Filters, DC Fundamentals: 11
A4: SHA Design
Week #10: 03/15 - 03/21
 Data Converter Fundamentals (DACs): 16
Week #11: 03/22 - 03/28
 DACs/Comparatorsi, Nyquist-Rate ADCs: 10 & 17
A5: DAC Simulation
Week #12: 03/29 - 04/04
 Nyquist-Rate ADCs: 17
A6: ADC Simulation (ECE1396 ONLY)
Week #13: 04/07
 Course Review

Textbook: Chan Carusone, Johns, Martin, Analog Integrated Circuit Design , 2nd Edition, Wiley.
Assignments: Handout at the start of tutorial; Due date at the start of tutorial two weeks later.

Grading Components and Schedule

Course ECE412 ECE1396 Schedule
Assignments 5 (20%) 6 (30%) See Schedule Above
Midterm 20% 20% Thu, Feb. 26, 2026, 3:20-4:50pm (during turorials)
Closed Book, Non-programmable Calculator
Final 60% 50% TBD, Closed Book, Non-programmable Calculator

Notice of Video Recording and Sharing (Download Permissible; Re-Use Prohibited)

Notice of video recording and sharing (Download permissible; re-use prohibited) At times during this course, some interactions including your participation, may be recorded on video and will be available to students in the course for viewing remotely and after each session. Course videos and materials belong to the instructors, the University, and/or other source depend- ing on the specic facts of each situation, and are protected by copyright. In this course, you are permitted to download session videos and materials for your own academic use, but you should not copy, share, or use them for any other purpose without the explicit permission of the instructor. For questions about recording and use of videos in which you appear please contact your instructor.

Academic Integrity Policies

http://www.academicintegrity.utoronto.ca
https://governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/secretariat/policies/code-behaviour-academic-matters-july-1-2019

Land Acknowledgement

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Inclusivity, Accommodations and Mental Health Support

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Statement on Accommodations

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Statement on Mental Health

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