The choice between MOS technology and bipolar technology for analog applications

Specific characteristics inherent to the two technologies were compared for analog applications. As bipolar technology is already well established for use in analog circuitry, it was taken as a reference by which MOS technology was assessed. Input noise, temperature effects and aging effects on MOS were studied. Interfacing MOS with external circuits was also considered. The particular case of analog power circuits was reviewed. Results show that many analog functions can be handled with MOS. However, the best performance is still obtained with bipolar technology, especially as concerns power circuits. One exception is that MOS allows for a higher integration density in frequency filters. In conclusion, the only LSI technology which permits the combination of analog and digital on the same chip remains bipolar ion implanted logic.