ADC Meta-Stability Bit Detection Without Per-Bit Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog-to-digital converting devices face increased design complexity and error risks due to the need for memories and activation signals to detect meta-stability, which can lead to prolonged comparison times and errors in digital signal output.
Innovation Solution
An analog-to-digital converting device that detects meta-stability using a meta-stability signal and a counter to determine the bit at which meta-stability occurs, without requiring a memory corresponding to each bit of the digital signal, by employing a meta-stability detection unit, counter, and control logic to manage the comparison process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memories and activation signals are used to detect meta-stability, then meta-stability detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the meta-stability detection function from the traditional memory-based approach and implements it using a dedicated meta-stability detection unit that operates directly on comparator outputs. This removes the need for multiple memory units and activation signals, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a meta-stability detection unit as an intermediary component between the comparator and the output logic. This unit processes comparator outputs directly and generates meta-stability signals without requiring memory storage, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If comparison operations are repeated to improve accuracy, then conversion precision is improved, but comparison time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the meta-stability detection unit continuously monitors comparator outputs and provides feedback signals to control logic. When meta-stability is detected, the system can adjust comparison operations dynamically, allowing repeated comparisons only when necessary to maintain precision without excessive time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the comparison process dynamic by allowing the number and timing of comparison operations to be adjusted based on real-time meta-stability conditions. The system performs repeated comparisons adaptively rather than following a fixed sequence, optimizing both precision and time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An analog-to-digital converting device configured to convert an analog signal into a digital signal, including a meta-stability detection unit configured to output a meta-stability signal based on a comparison result, wherein the comparison result is determined by comparing a comparison voltage of each bit of the digital signal with the analog signal; a counter configured to count a number of times that the comparison voltage of each bit of the digital signal is compared with the analog signal; and a control logic configured to detect a bit at which meta-stability has occurred from among bits of the digital signal based on the meta-stability signal and the counted number.