ADC Operating Mode Switching Without Reboot or Power Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ADC systems face challenges in efficiently switching between different operating modes without requiring power cycling or rebooting, which can disrupt system continuity and increase switching times.

Innovation Solution

The proposed ADC system includes hardware circuitry and a controller that allows switching between two operating modes by transmitting configuration and calibration information to the hardware circuitry, enabling seamless mode transitions without rebooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power cycling or rebooting is performed to switch between operating modes, then the hardware circuitry configuration can be changed, but system continuity is disrupted and switching time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware circuitry configuration switchingVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading configuration and calibration information for multiple operating modes into memory before switching is needed. When a mode switch is required, the controller retrieves the pre-prepared configuration data for the target mode and applies it directly, eliminating the need for power cycling. This allows the hardware circuitry to be reconfigured rapidly without time-consuming reboot sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If power cycling or rebooting is performed to switch between operating modes, then the hardware circuitry configuration can be changed, but system continuity is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware circuitry configuration switchingVSAvoidsystem continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining system operation throughout the mode switching process. The controller manages the transition between operating modes by sequentially applying different configuration sets without interrupting the overall system function. This ensures that the ADC system remains operational and produces valid output throughout the transition, preserving system continuity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If configuration and calibration information is transmitted to hardware circuitry for mode switching, then rapid mode transitions are enabled, but data transmission and processing time is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode transition speedVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and storing calibration information for multiple operating modes in memory before switching is needed. The configuration data and calibration parameters are prepared in advance in a ready-to-transfer format. When a mode switch is commanded, the controller simply retrieves and applies the pre-prepared data, minimizing actual transmission time and maximizing mode transition speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4557617A1Analog-to-digital converter system for switching operating modes
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ANALOG DEVICES INC
  • EP4557617A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4557617A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4557617A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) system for switching between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, where both the first operating mode and the second operating mode can include post-calibration analog-to-digital conversions, where a hardware circuitry configuration of the second operating mode can differ from a hardware circuitry configuration of the first operating mode, can include hardware circuitry. The ADC system can also include a controller, which can be configured to control the hardware circuitry to control switching between the first operating mode and the second operating mode in response to a command to switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. This can include to transmit second mode configuration information and second mode calibration information to the hardware circuitry, where the second mode configuration information can include values to configure the hardware circuitry to operate in the second operating mode and the second mode calibration information can include values to calibrate the ADC system while operating in the second operating mode.