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I am interested to better understand the practical limitations to input impedance and common-mode rejection ratio in cascoded op-amp structures. I already simulated quite a bit, but I am running into convergence problems for some edge cases, and I am running the risk of GIGO in such scenarios, too.

To clear up some definitions, by input impedance I mean the variation of the input bias current \$\frac{dV_{IN+}}{dI_{IN+}}\$ and, by CMRR I mean the variation of the input offset voltage \$\frac{dV_{IN+}}{d(V_{IN+}-V_{IN-})}\$. And I always refer to the generic circuit diagram below.

It contains:

  • input differential pair M1 & M2
  • current mirror D & CCCS1
  • cascode transistors Q1 & Q2
  • cascode bias V1
  • tail current I1
  • The depicted input differential amplifier is part of a closed-loop operational amplifier with negative feedback, e.g. a voltage follower

Questions:

  1. Is it correct that both input impedance and CMRR would be infinite, if all three of the current mirror, V1 and I1 were infinitely stiff ?
  2. Is it correct that the characteristics such as matching of the transistors, in contrast, don't matter ?
  3. Is it correct that even at AC, the input capacitance of M1 & M2 don't really matter, as long as the cascode bias and currents remain stiff ?
  4. If I am correct about (1-3), is there anything that practically (in terms of IC design) prevents a BJT op-amp from achieving something like TOhm input impedance over much of its common-mode range?

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

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    \$\begingroup\$ Are you sure of the CMRR definition? Should not be (dVin+ + dVin-)/2 / (dVin+ - dVin-)? \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Commented Jul 1, 2022 at 9:46
  • \$\begingroup\$ Q2 ... don't think so. Matching does matter and even matching temperature of the transistors (at lowest level) is important. Q3 ... until what frequency? \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Commented Jul 1, 2022 at 9:49
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Antonio51 yes, but my equation is probably equivalent. Since the common mode voltage moves along with VIN+ in the equilibrated circuit and since we are only interested in the change, we can replace the common-mode voltage with the voltage at any one of the inputs. About Frequency: no particular AC frequency. I am asking in general, but if you wish, or if it matters for an answer, make it 1 kHz. \$\endgroup\$
    – tobalt
    Commented Jul 1, 2022 at 9:50

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