ADC-Driver Clock Synchronization for Low-Noise Conversion Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
As optical magnification increases in camera modules, the detection range and number of sensors for position and acceleration detection also increase, leading to complex timing control and increased clock usage in analog-to-digital conversion apparatuses, which complicates the conversion process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an analog-digital conversion apparatus within an integrated circuit (IC) that includes synchronized analog-digital converters (ADCs) and drivers operating on separate clocks, with synchronization based on an interrupt request (Irq) to manage conversion timing and reduce noise, allowing for independent timing configurations and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of sensors and detection range are increased to improve detection precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated timing control and increased clock usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clock system into multiple independent clock domains (first clock for ADC, second clock for driver) to segment the timing control complexity. Each clock domain operates independently, allowing complex sensor arrays to be managed through separate, simplified timing paths rather than a single complex centralized clock system.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt request (Irq) signal acts as an intermediary mechanism that synchronizes between the ADC and driver without requiring complex direct timing coordination. This mediator enables precise timing control for multiple sensors while keeping the clock domains independent and manageable.
2Productivity
If multiple clocks are used to operate ADC and driver independently, then productivity is improved through parallel operation, but device complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments clock usage into distinct domains: the first clock exclusively for ADC operations and the second clock for driver operations. This segmentation enables high-speed parallel processing while isolating synchronization complexity to specific interface points (Irq signals) rather than requiring complex coordination across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrupt request signals operate periodically to synchronize data transfer between ADC and driver. This periodic synchronization mechanism enables continuous high-speed parallel operation while maintaining coordination through regular, predictable timing events rather than complex continuous synchronization.
3Device complexity
If ADC and driver share the same clock, then device complexity is reduced, but noise increases due to coupled timing variations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clock system into separate domains for ADC and driver, the patent isolates timing variations and noise sources. Each clock can be optimized for its specific function without interference from the other, reducing coupled noise while maintaining overall system simplicity through the use of independent clock sources.
Data Source
AI summary
An analog-digital conversion apparatus includes: an analog-digital converter (ADC) included in an integrated circuit (IC) and configured to operate based on a sampling clock constituting a portion of a plurality of clocks; and a driver included in the IC and configured to operate based on another portion of the plurality of clocks, and produce a driving signal based on a digital value output from the ADC. The ADC and the driver are synchronized with each other based on an interrupt request (Irq) of the IC.