AD Conversion Circuit Feedback for Dielectric Relaxation Errors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor devices face challenges in accurately operating due to errors caused by dielectric relaxation phenomena, particularly in AD conversion circuits where capacitive elements for sampling and DA conversion are separated, or in top plate sampling type AD conversion circuits.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device is designed with a first capacitive element, a signal cancellation circuit, a sampling circuit, a negative feedback circuit, an AD converter, and an addition/subtraction circuit. This configuration allows for the cancellation of errors caused by dielectric relaxation phenomena by generating and applying feedback signals to the capacitive elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a capacitive element is used for sampling and DA conversion in an AD conversion circuit, then the conversion function is achieved, but errors are caused by dielectric relaxation phenomena reducing measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAD conversion accuracyVSAvoiddielectric relaxation errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using the output signal from the AD conversion circuit to generate a compensation signal that is fed back to the capacitive element. This feedback mechanism dynamically counteracts the dielectric relaxation errors, allowing the circuit to maintain high measurement precision despite the inherent harmful effects of the capacitive element's dielectric relaxation properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing path that separates the main conversion function from the error correction function. A compensation circuit acts as an intermediary, processing the output signal to extract error components and generating a correction signal that is then applied to cancel the dielectric relaxation effects, thereby preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the capacitive element for sampling and capacitive element for DA conversion are separated, then circuit functionality is improved, but errors caused by dielectric relaxation phenomena persist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit configuration flexibilityVSAvoidAD conversion accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the capacitive element into separate sampling and DA conversion functions, allowing independent optimization of each stage. This segmentation provides circuit configuration flexibility while the added error compensation mechanism ensures that measurement precision is maintained despite the separation of functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism monitors the overall conversion process and dynamically adjusts compensation signals to counteract dielectric relaxation errors that arise from the separated capacitive elements, thereby maintaining measurement precision across different circuit configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If top plate sampling type AD conversion circuit is used, then conversion speed is improved, but errors due to dielectric relaxation phenomena increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling speedVSAvoidAD conversion accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback circuit operates at high speed to match the fast sampling rate of the top plate sampling type circuit. It rapidly generates and applies compensation signals that counteract dielectric relaxation errors in real-time, allowing the circuit to maintain both high sampling speed and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation circuit performs preliminary error correction by predicting and counteracting dielectric relaxation effects before they significantly degrade the measurement. This preliminary action allows the fast sampling circuit to maintain accuracy by pre-compensating for expected errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The semiconductor device effectively suppresses errors due to dielectric relaxation phenomena, enabling accurate AD conversion and operation by canceling out error components through the use of feedback circuits and addition/subtraction operations.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitive element Cs provided between an input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal of a comparator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

errors caused by dielectric relaxation phenomena

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric relaxation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20250055472A1Semiconductor device

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device is capable of operating accurately by suppressing errors caused by dielectric relaxation phenomena. The semiconductor device includes a first capacitive element, a signal cancellation circuit, a sampling circuit, a negative feedback circuit, an AD converter, and an addition-and-subtraction circuit.