Analysis of the effects of clock imperfections in N-path filters

In this paper, the effect of imperfections on the behavior of N-path filters is investigated. Exact mathematical derivations are presented which describe the effect of clock skew and finite fall/rise time on the impedance transformation behavior of N-path filters. In the ideal case, the N-path filter is supposed to provide a short-circuit to the ground for undesired frequency contents and an open-circuit for the desired signal so that it lies within the passband of the filter. It is shown that clock skew and finite clock fall/rise time result in a non-zero impedance for frequency contents other than the clock frequency and a smaller impedance for the desired voltage. In a real circuit with these effects present, the performance and filtering characteristics of the filter are altered. Finally, a technique has been introduced by means of which a specific harmonic fold-back component can be canceled by proper choice of clock timing.