ADC Integrated MUX Control for Precise Multi-Channel Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-channel data acquisition systems, the lack of internal information about ADC completion delays leads to unreliable timing control, resulting in reduced resolution and capacity due to excessive compensation for system delays, which complicates analog signal path performance and control.
Innovation Solution
Integration of multiplexer control within the analog-to-digital converter, utilizing control logic circuitry and an oscillator to synchronize external MUX control signals with ADC acquisition and control signals, reducing timing complexity and improving amplifier slew-and-settle performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate controller is used to manage MUX control signals, then system timing control is possible, but timing complexity increases and analog isolation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the MUX control function directly into the ADC device, combining two separate components (ADC and MUX controller) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for external controller timing management while maintaining reliable timing control through the integrated architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional time is built-in between data capture requests to compensate for delays, then analog signal path slew and settle time is ensured, but resolution and capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC device provides feedback information about its internal timing and conversion status to the MUX control logic. This allows the system to dynamically adjust timing without requiring excessive compensation time, thereby maintaining both signal path settling time and data capture rate for optimal resolution.
3Ease of operation
If MUX control is separate from ADC, then independent control is possible, but analog isolation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating MUX control within the ADC device, the patent maintains electrical isolation between the digital control logic and analog signal paths while enabling coordinated operation. The integrated architecture reduces the number of external control signal paths, thereby improving analog isolation.
4Reliability
If controller manages both ADC and MUX timing, then system coordination is achieved, but productivity decreases due to reduced data capture rate
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC device autonomously manages its own timing and triggers the MUX switching internally. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external controller intervention in timing management, allowing for faster data capture rates while maintaining system coordination through the integrated device's internal timing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A data acquisition system includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having a MUX control outputs, a controller coupled to the ADC, a multiplexer coupled to the MUX control outputs of the ADC, and an operational amplifier coupling an analog data output of the multiplexer to an input of the ADC. An ADC having integrated multiplexer control includes control logic circuitry, ADC circuitry, MUX logic and an oscillator coupled to the control logic circuitry, the ADC circuitry, and the MUX logic.