A low power digital-to-analog conversion device, system and method

Abstract

A kind of low-power digital-analog conversion device, digital-analog conversion system and method, digital-analog conversion device includes: first electrode, first electrode is conductive material;First electrode is configured to receive external input digital signal, digital signal has high level section and low level section, with preset time length rising edge and / or falling edge between high level section and low level section;Second electrode, second electrode is conductive material;Formed in the intermediate layer between first electrode and second electrode, intermediate layer is electrically connected with first electrode and second electrode respectively;Intermediate layer is organic matter with polar bond, intermediate layer is configured to convert digital signal into analog signal, and output by second electrode.This application can realize the effect of low-power digital-analog conversion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of digital-to-analog conversion technology, and more specifically to a low-power digital-to-analog conversion device, a digital-to-analog conversion system, and a method. Background Technology

[0002] Common digital signals are often presented in the form of square wave pulses, such as Figure 1 As shown, where T A ~T B As the rising edge, T B ~T C T is the pulse width. C ~T D The rising and falling edge times of a square wave pulse are typically around 10ns (theoretically 0s). However, in current technologies, square wave pulses used in digital-to-analog conversion are often adapted to different analog signals by changing the pulse frequency or the pulse voltage.

[0003] Existing digital-to-analog converters have relatively complex structures and require high power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main technical problem solved by this invention is that existing digital-to-analog conversion methods have complex device structures and require high power consumption.

[0005] According to a first aspect, one embodiment provides a low-power digital-to-analog converter, comprising:

[0006] The first electrode is made of a conductive material; the first electrode is configured to receive an externally input digital signal, the digital signal having a high-level segment and a low-level segment, and a rising edge and / or a falling edge of a preset duration between the high-level segment and the low-level segment;

[0007] The second electrode is made of a conductive material;

[0008] An intermediate layer is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the intermediate layer is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively;

[0009] The intermediate layer is an organic material with polar bonds, and it is configured to convert digital signals into analog signals and output them through the second electrode.

[0010] According to a second aspect, one embodiment provides a digital-to-analog conversion system for simulating the action potential of a neuron, comprising:

[0011] A signal generation module and at least one digital-to-analog converter;

[0012] The signal generation module is configured to generate digital signals, which have high-level segments and low-level segments, and rising and / or falling edges of preset duration between the high-level and low-level segments;

[0013] The digital-to-analog converter includes: a first electrode, a second electrode, and an intermediate layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; the first electrode is made of a conductive material, the second electrode is made of a conductive material, and the intermediate layer is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively;

[0014] The first electrode is configured to receive digital signals;

[0015] The intermediate layer is an organic material with polar bonds, and it is configured to convert digital signals into analog signals and output them through the second electrode.

[0016] According to a third aspect, one embodiment provides a digital-to-analog conversion method for simulating neuronal action potentials, comprising:

[0017] Obtain the peak current of the required analog signal;

[0018] Adjust the duration of the rising and falling edges of the digital signal based on the positive and negative peak currents.

[0019] A digital signal is input to the first electrode of the digital-to-analog converter device described in the first aspect, and the analog signal actually output by the second electrode is acquired.

[0020] The low-power digital-to-analog converter, digital-to-analog converter system, and method according to the above embodiments can convert digital signals and output analog signals by using an organic material with polar bonds as an intermediate layer. The device has a simple structure and low power consumption. The peak current of the signal can be adjusted by changing the duration of the rising or falling edge of the digital signal, which is not limited to the traditional method of changing the pulse frequency or the pulse voltage, and achieves low-power digital-to-analog conversion effect. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of existing digital signals;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an existing digital-to-analog converter circuit;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a digital-to-analog converter circuit provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a digital signal provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5A schematic diagram (a) illustrating the adjustment of the rising and falling edges of a digital signal according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram (II) illustrating the adjustment of the rising and falling edges of a digital signal according to one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the action potentials of existing neurons;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an analog signal for simulating action potential provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a digital-to-analog conversion system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal generation module provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a digital-to-analog conversion method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0032] Reference numerals: 1-First electrode; 2-Second electrode; 10-Substrate; 20-Intermediate layer; 100-Digital-to-analog converter; 200-Signal generation module; 210-Adjustment submodule; 220-Generation submodule. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0034] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0035] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, existing STMicroelectronics digital-to-analog converter (D / A converter) chips contain multiple D / A circuits. Each D / A circuit includes at least four transistors (M1-M4). Digital signals are input from the input terminal of transistor M1 and output from the output terminals of transistors M3 and M4. This allows for the conversion of digital signals into digital signals. Figure 1 The digital signal shown is converted into an analog signal in the form of a sine wave.

[0037] It is evident that such a digital-to-analog converter circuit suffers from large scale and high power consumption, for example, 2.26 * 10^6 ohms. -3 W.

[0038] Furthermore, these traditional digital-to-analog converter circuits suffer from signal interference. Because traditional digital-to-analog converters use square wave pulse signals for digital signals, with extremely short rise and fall times (typically 10ns), according to Maxwell's equations, the greater the rate of change of the electric field per unit time, the stronger the induced electric field generated nearby. This can interfere with nearby circuits, limiting further miniaturization and micro-miniaturization of the devices.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a low-power digital-to-analog converter 100, which may include a first electrode 1, a second electrode 2 and an intermediate layer 20, and may also include a substrate 10.

[0040] The first electrode 1 can be made of a conductive material; the second electrode 2 can be made of a conductive material. The first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 can be made of the same material or different materials. The conductive material can be, but is not limited to, metals, alloys, graphite, and other conductive materials.

[0041] An intermediate layer 20 is formed between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2, and is electrically connected to both the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2. The intermediate layer 20 is an organic material with polar bonds. It should be understood that the intermediate layer 20 being formed between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 is not limited to... Figure 3 The form of (A) is not a physical structural relationship between the two, but can also be understood as... Figure 3 The electrical transmission between the two is shown in (D) in the diagram.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown in (B), the device may further include a substrate 10, which may be an insulating material, with a first electrode 1 formed on the substrate 10 and a second electrode 2 formed on the substrate 10. For example, the substrate 10 may be glass or an insulating film, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0043] It should be noted that the substrate 20 is not mandatory; the first electrode, the second electrode, and the intermediate layer can all serve as the starting structural layers for device fabrication. For example, ... Figure 3 As shown in (C) and (D), a second electrode or an intermediate layer can be used as the starting structural layer.

[0044] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer 20 can be an organic compound having at least one polar bond selected from hydroxyl, ether, aldehyde, carbonyl, carboxyl, ester, amino, and amide groups. For example, it can be formed by coating.

[0045] For example, the intermediate layer 20 can be, but is not limited to, common organic materials such as cellulose, gelatin, collagen, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyimide, or it can be a carbon compound such as carbon nanotubes.

[0046] The first electrode 1 is configured to receive externally input digital signals. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the digital signal provided in this application embodiment has a high-level segment and a low-level segment, with a rising edge and / or falling edge of preset duration between the high-level segment and the low-level segment; the duration / rate of change between the rising edge and the falling edge can be the same or different. It should be noted that the digital signal can have multiple high-level or low-level segments, wherein the high level or low level is relative to a rising edge or falling edge, and it is not limited that the magnitude of each high-level or low-level segment is equal.

[0047] The intermediate layer 20 is configured to convert digital signals into analog signals and output them through the second electrode 2.

[0048] The following explains the principle of digital-to-analog conversion in intermediate layer 20.

[0049] The intermediate layer 20, containing polar bonds, rotates under the influence of an electric field. Therefore, immediately after being stimulated by an external pulse (traditional type: both rise and fall times are 10 ns), the pulse voltage stabilizes, meaning the current flux density D through the intermediate layer 20 stabilizes at this moment, where D satisfies:

[0050] D=εE (1)

[0051] Under the influence of this electric field, the overall distribution of positive and negative electrons in the intermediate layer 20 changes: negative charges are biased towards the electrode on the side where the pulse is applied, while positive charges are biased towards the other electrode. This distribution of positive and negative charges creates a reverse electric field in the intermediate layer 20, with a magnitude of E1. Therefore, the electric field strength within the intermediate layer 20 changes from E to E-E1, while the electric flux density D remains unchanged. Thus, it is easy to see that the dielectric constant ε of the intermediate layer 20 changes, and the relationship between D and E is:

[0052] D=ε′(E-E1) (2)

[0053] Combining the definition of electric current:

[0054] I = nqsv (3)

[0055] The electric field strength within the intermediate layer 20 decreases as the polar molecules rotate, thus reducing the electron velocity v. Consequently, after a large peak current is generated at the moment the pulse arrives, the current magnitude decreases rapidly.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the lower part represents the corresponding digital signal, and the upper part represents the corresponding analog signal. When the rise time is extended, D gradually rises to its maximum value over a longer period (10ns to 250ms). During the rise of D, the rotatable polar bonds in the intermediate layer 20 rotate, and the ε of the intermediate layer 20 gradually increases. When D reaches its maximum value, the E of the intermediate layer 20 is smaller than the E when the rise time is 10ns, therefore the peak current is also smaller at this point.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, with the pulse width (100ms) and pulse voltage (50mV) kept constant, the rise time of the digital signal is gradually increased from 10ns to 250ms, and the (negative) peak current of the output signal of this device gradually decreases from 1.01nA to 633.3pA.

[0058] like Figure 6As shown, with the pulse width (100ms) and pulse voltage (50mV) kept constant, the falling edge time of the digital signal is gradually increased from 10ns to 250ms, and the (positive) peak current of the output signal of this device gradually decreases from 633.3pA to 359.2pA.

[0059] Based on the above principle, different peak currents can be obtained by changing the duration of the rising or falling edge, thereby realizing the function of digital-to-analog conversion. In addition, various digital-to-analog conversion devices 100 can be formed by changing the material of the intermediate layer 20. Based on the different polar bonds or polar molecules in different materials, the migration speed of positive and negative charges is different under the action of an external electric field, which can achieve different current regulation effects. In other words, different degrees of digital-to-analog conversion effect can be achieved by changing the material of the intermediate layer 20.

[0060] In some embodiments, analog signals are used to simulate the action potentials of neurons.

[0061] like Figure 7 The above, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an intracellular action potential, which includes overshoot and post-hyperpolarization potentials, which can be understood as corresponding to the maximum and minimum values ​​of the action potential. Its key feature is that the maximum and minimum values ​​are not equal, and it is not a sinusoidal analog signal. This analog signal is generated using a diagram... Figure 2 The traditional digital-to-analog converter circuit shown cannot achieve this.

[0062] In the embodiments of this application, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, by adjusting the duration of the rising and falling edges of the digital signal, the magnitudes of the positive and negative peak currents can be adjusted respectively to simulate the action potential of a neuron.

[0063] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, a continuous positive and negative signal is applied to one electrode of the device, with a positive voltage of 100mV and a negative voltage of -10mV. The current-time image measured at the other electrode of the device is similar to the action potential signal of a biological neuron (with both rise and fall times of 100ms). Therefore, this device can be used to simulate the action potential of a biological neuron. Of course, when different types of devices made of intermediate layers simulate the same action potential, or when different action potentials are simulated using the same device, the required rise and fall times will not be the same and need to be determined according to the actual situation. Figure 8 This is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting; it is only applicable to devices that have such analog functionality.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 can both be biocompatible conductive materials; the intermediate layer 20 can be a biocompatible organic material; and the substrate 10 can be a biocompatible insulating material. Devices made of biocompatible materials can be implanted into living organisms, and can release simulated signals that mimic action potentials through the electrodes to stimulate neurons in a designated area without causing rejection.

[0065] Moreover, for example Figure 2 The circuit shown is composed of multiple transistors in a traditional circuit. This application only requires one device to achieve digital-to-analog conversion, which is easy to implement, has a small device size, and is easier to implant.

[0066] In addition, the device provided in this application embodiment has low power consumption compared to... Figure 2 The circuit shown is an example of this application's solution, which achieves the same function, even in the case of maximum power consumption: i.e., when both the rise time and fall time are 600ms, its power consumption is less than [amount missing]. Figure 2 The circuit shown is 1 / 10000000.

[0067] In addition, the digital-to-analog conversion implemented using traditional methods has problems. However, the digital-to-analog conversion device 100 designed in this application has a rise time and fall time that are 10 to hundreds of times better than those of traditional methods. This can effectively reduce the intensity of the induced electric field and avoid signal interference.

[0068] like Figure 9 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment also provides a digital-to-analog conversion system for simulating the action potential of a neuron, which may include: a signal generation module 200 and at least one digital-to-analog conversion device 100.

[0069] The signal generation module 200 is configured to generate digital signals, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the digital signal provided in this application embodiment has a high-level segment and a low-level segment, and there is a rising edge and / or falling edge of preset duration between the high-level segment and the low-level segment; the duration / rate of change between the rising edge and the falling edge can be the same or different.

[0070] The digital-to-analog converter 100 may include: a first electrode 1, a second electrode 2, and an intermediate layer 20 formed between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2; the first electrode 1 may be a conductive material, the second electrode 2 may be a conductive material, and the intermediate layer 20 is electrically connected to the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 respectively.

[0071] The first electrode 1 is configured to receive digital signals; the intermediate layer 20 can be an organic material with polar bonds, and is configured to convert the digital signals into analog signals, which are then output through the second electrode 2. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, the analog signal is used to simulate the action potential of a neuron.

[0072] The working principle of the digital-to-analog converter 100 has been described in the above embodiments. As for the signal generation module 200, this application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, many processors can generate PWM signals, and adjustments can be made on this basis; or, for example, an arbitrary waveform generator can be used to generate digital signals.

[0073] like Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the signal generation module 200 may include an adjustment submodule 210 and a generation submodule 220.

[0074] The adjustment submodule 210 is configured to adjust the duration of the rising edge and / or falling edge of the digital signal.

[0075] For example, the adjustment submodule 210 is configured to adjust the duration of the rising and / or falling edges of the digital signal according to the peak current of the required analog signal. Specifically, when the rising edge duration of the digital signal increases, the negative peak current of the analog signal decreases; when the falling edge duration of the digital signal increases, the positive peak current of the analog signal decreases.

[0076] The generation submodule 220 is configured to generate a digital signal based on the duration of the rising edge and / or falling edge adjusted by the adjustment submodule 210.

[0077] Therefore, regardless of the implementation method, the signal generation module 200 must at least have adjustment and signal generation functions. If necessary, an adjustment submodule 210 with matching function can be set up, which can adjust the duration of the rising edge and / or falling edge in real time according to the peak current.

[0078] like Figure 11 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a digital-to-analog conversion method for simulating neuronal action potentials is also provided, which may include:

[0079] Step 1: Obtain the peak current of the required analog signal.

[0080] For example, when simulating the action potential of neurons, the action potentials corresponding to different responses (such as pain, heat, cold, etc.) are not the same, especially the peak currents are not the same. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly define the required simulation signal.

[0081] Step 2: Adjust the rise and fall times of the digital signal based on the positive and negative peak currents. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the duration of the rising edge and the falling edge can adjust the positive peak current and the negative peak current, respectively. Therefore, the digital signal is adjusted according to the peak current of the analog signal required in step 1.

[0082] Step 3: Input a digital signal to the first electrode 1 of the digital-to-analog converter 100 in the above embodiment, and collect the analog signal actually output by the second electrode 2.

[0083] If necessary, digital-to-analog converters 100 with different intermediate layers 20 can be fabricated using various materials. Each digital-to-analog converter 100 corresponds to a specific analog signal. By adjusting the rising and falling edges, the peak current can be better adjusted to meet more needs. This is because the polar bonds of the intermediate layers 20 made of different materials have different effects in the electric field, ultimately resulting in different digital-to-analog conversion effects. Therefore, in step 1, a corresponding digital-to-analog converter 100 can be selected based on the peak current of the required analog signal, with the intermediate layer 20 of the device matched to the required analog signal.

[0084] Step 4: Determine whether the actual output analog signal meets the preset requirements. If not, adjust the rising and falling edge durations of the digital signal based on the difference between the peak current of the actual output analog signal and the required analog signal.

[0085] Considering adjustment errors, it is necessary to judge based on the actual output analog signal to determine whether the output analog signal meets the requirements. The preset requirements should be adjusted according to actual needs, such as whether the difference in peak current is less than a preset difference. If necessary, the digital-to-analog converter 100 of different intermediate layers 20 can also be replaced.

[0086] In summary, the low-power digital-to-analog converter 100, digital-to-analog converter system, and method described above, using an organic material with polar bonds as an intermediate layer 20, can convert digital signals and output analog signals. The device has a simple structure and low power consumption. The peak current of the signal can be adjusted by changing the duration of the rising or falling edge of the digital signal, without being limited to the traditional methods of changing the pulse frequency or pulse voltage.

[0087] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0088] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structures, arrangements, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environments and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0089] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A low-power digital-to-analog converter, characterized in that, include: The first electrode is made of a conductive material; The first electrode is configured to receive an externally input digital signal, the digital signal having a high-level segment and a low-level segment, and a rising edge and / or falling edge of a preset duration between the high-level segment and the low-level segment; The second electrode is made of a conductive material; An intermediate layer is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the intermediate layer is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively; The intermediate layer is an organic material with polar bonds, and the intermediate layer is configured to convert the digital signal into an analog signal and output it through the second electrode.

2. The digital-to-analog converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The simulated signal is used to simulate the action potential of a neuron.

3. The digital-to-analog converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate layer is an organic compound having at least one polar bond selected from hydroxyl, ether, aldehyde, carbonyl, carboxyl, ester, amino, and amide groups.

4. The digital-to-analog converter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first electrode and the second electrode are made of biocompatible conductive materials; The intermediate layer is a biocompatible organic material.

5. A digital-to-analog conversion system for simulating the action potential of a neuron, characterized in that, include: A signal generation module and at least one digital-to-analog converter; The signal generation module is configured to generate a digital signal, which has a high-level segment and a low-level segment, and a rising edge and / or falling edge of preset duration between the high-level segment and the low-level segment. The digital-to-analog converter includes: a first electrode, a second electrode, and an intermediate layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; the first electrode is made of a conductive material, and the second electrode is made of a conductive material; the intermediate layer is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively. The first electrode is configured to receive digital signals; The intermediate layer is an organic material with polar bonds, and the intermediate layer is configured to convert the digital signal into an analog signal and output it through the second electrode.

6. The digital-to-analog conversion system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The simulated signal is used to simulate the action potential of a neuron.

7. The digital-to-analog conversion system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The signal generation module includes an adjustment submodule and a generation submodule; The adjustment submodule is configured to adjust the duration of the rising edge and / or falling edge of the digital signal; The generation submodule is configured to generate the digital signal according to the duration of the rising edge and / or falling edge adjusted by the adjustment submodule.

8. The digital-to-analog conversion system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The adjustment submodule is configured to adjust the duration of the rising and / or falling edges of the digital signal according to the peak current of the analog signal as required. Specifically, when the rising edge duration of the digital signal increases, the negative peak current of the analog signal decreases; when the falling edge duration of the digital signal increases, the positive peak current of the analog signal decreases.

9. A digital-to-analog conversion method for simulating neuronal action potentials, characterized in that, include: Obtain the peak current of the required analog signal; Adjust the duration of the rising and falling edges of the digital signal based on the positive and negative peak currents. The digital signal is input to the first electrode of the digital-to-analog converter as described in claim 1, and the analog signal actually output by the second electrode is acquired.

10. The digital-to-analog conversion method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: Determine whether the actual output analog signal meets the preset requirements. If not, adjust the duration of the rising and falling edges of the digital signal based on the difference between the peak current of the actual output analog signal and the required analog signal.

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