This paper presents a general-purpose sampled-data analogue processing element that essentially functions as an analogue microprocessor (AµP). The AµP executes software programs, in a way akin to a digital microprocessor, while nevertheless operating on analogue sampled data values. This enables the design of mixed-mode systems which retain the speed/area/power advantages of the analogue signal processing paradigm while being fully programmable, general-purpose systems. A proof-of-concept integrated circuit has been implemented in 0.8 µm CMOS technology, using switched-current techniques. Experimental results and examples of the application of the AµPs in image processing are presented. 1.

A system for exploring intrinsic evolution of linear and non-linear filter systems is described. It consists of a testbed topology of operational amplifiers and linear or non-linear passive components together with a control and measurement system for selecting different values and layouts of components and testing the resulting circuit. The results of each measurement can be used by an evolutionary algorithm to search for a good match to a target response. 1 Introduction In previous papers we have reported work on evolving linear [1] and non-linear [2] instantaneous (i.e. DC) mapping functions using a programmable array of operational amplifiers. The next logical step in this progression is to look at non-instantaneous mapping functions, that is to say circuits in which a change in the input gives rise to an output which continues to change for a longer time. The key difference between these two types of circuit is that non-instantaneous mappings involve the possession of memory wit...

In this thesis a new signal processing technique is presented. This technique exploits the use of pulses as the signalling mechanism. This Palmo 1 signalling method applied to signal processing is novel, combining the advantages of both digital and analogue techniques. Pulsed signals are robust, inherently low-power, easily regenerated, and easily distributed across and between chips. The Palmo cells used to perform analogue operations on the pulsed signals are compact, fast, simple and programmable.