ADC Reference Switching With Decoupling Capacitors for Low Distortion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Analog-to-digital converting circuits face challenges in generating a constant reference voltage with low power consumption and small area, leading to distortion in digital signals due to high-frequency peak currents, which requires large capacitors and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The circuit employs multiple reference voltage generators and decoupling capacitors, with switches controlling the connection to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in alternating time periods, allowing for lower capacitance and reduced power consumption while maintaining signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-capacitance reference voltage capacitor is used to prevent distortion, then signal accuracy is improved, but circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large reference voltage capacitor into multiple smaller capacitors (first reference voltage capacitor, second reference voltage capacitor, etc.). These segmented capacitors are connected in parallel to collectively provide the required capacitance, thereby reducing the area occupied by each individual capacitor while maintaining the total capacitance needed for signal accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs switches to dynamically connect different reference voltage capacitors to the analog-to-digital converter at different times. This dynamic switching allows the system to use multiple smaller capacitors alternately, achieving the same functional effect as a single large capacitor but with reduced total area and improved power efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If a reference voltage generator with high output current is used to provide peak current, then signal accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses switches to dynamically connect different reference voltage generators to the analog-to-digital converter at different time periods. This dynamic switching allows the system to use multiple lower-power generators alternately, each providing peak current only during its active period, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the required peak current capability for signal accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between multiple reference voltage generators, where each generator operates during specific time periods. This periodic action distributes the power delivery burden across multiple generators, allowing each to operate at lower average power while collectively providing the necessary peak current for accurate signal conversion.
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
This approach reduces the area required for capacitors, lowers power consumption, and minimizes distortion in digital signals by alternately providing reference voltages, achieving efficient and accurate analog-to-digital conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a first decoupling capacitor connected to the first reference voltage generator and configured to supply charges to the analog-to-digital converter; a second decoupling capacitor connected to the second reference voltage generator and configured to supply charges to the analog-to-digital converter
Implementation Method 2
a first switch configured to connect the first reference voltage generator to the analog-to-digital converter during a first conversion period; a second switch configured to connect the second reference voltage generator to the analog-to-digital converter during a second conversion period
Data Source
AI summary
An analog-to-digital converting circuit for converting an analog signal into a digital signal includes a plurality of reference voltage generators each generating a reference voltage, a plurality of reference voltage decoupling capacitors respectively corresponding to the reference voltage generators, and an analog-to-digital converter generating a comparison voltage based on the reference voltage and generating the digital signal corresponding to the analog signal based on a result of comparing the comparison voltage with the analog signal. At least one different combination of the reference voltage generators and the reference voltage decoupling capacitors is connected to the analog-to-digital converter in each of a plurality of conversion periods.