# A Functional Block Decomposition Method for Automatic Op-Amp Design

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.09051 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2012.09051/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 16 Dec 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [HeaRT: A Hierarchical Circuit Reasoning Tree-Based Agentic Framework for AMS Design Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2511.19669/) (2025)
- [GENIE-ASI: Generative Instruction and Executable Code for Analog Subcircuit Identification](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.19393/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper presents a method to decompose an op-amp into its functional blocks. The method is able to recognize functional blocks on a high level of abstraction as loads or amplification stages which have a large set of possible structural implementations. The paper presents a hierarchical library of functional blocks. With every hierarchy level, the structural representation of the functional blocks becomes more variable while its function emerges. We use the hierarchical order to automatically compute the functional decomposition of an op-amp given as a flat netlist. Experimental results illustrate the method. The functional block decomposition enables a comprehensive formalization of design knowledge for computer-aided design of op-amps. Applications to circuit sizing and structural synthesis of op-amps are presented.