ADC Role Assignment for Synchronized Parallel Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microcontroller or microprocessor systems with multiple ADCs lack flexibility in synchronizing and assigning roles, limiting their ability to perform parallel measurements efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system where each ADC can be variably assigned roles such as 'master', 'slave', or 'autonomous', with a synchronization register and bus system allowing for flexible control and synchronization of ADCs within synchronization groups, enabling simultaneous parallel conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple ADCs are used for parallel measurements, then measurement throughput increases, but system complexity and synchronization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides multiple ADCs into synchronization groups, where each group has a master ADC and slave ADCs. This segmentation allows independent control of each group while maintaining overall system productivity through parallel operation of multiple groups.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ADC is designed with universal functionality to operate as either a master or slave ADC depending on its assigned role. The ADCs share common control mechanisms and synchronization interfaces, allowing flexible role assignment while reducing overall system complexity through standardized designs.
2Ease of operation
If ADCs are assigned fixed master or slave roles, then synchronization is simplified, but system flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic role assignment where ADCs can be configured as master or slave through software or control registers rather than fixed hardware assignments. This allows the synchronization structure to adapt dynamically to different measurement requirements while maintaining simple synchronization protocols within each group.
Solution Approach 2:
The master-slave relationship is controlled through configurable parameters such as synchronization enable bits and group assignment registers. By changing these parameters, the system can reconfigure which ADCs serve as masters or slaves without hardware changes, providing flexibility while preserving synchronization simplicity through parameter-based control.
3Speed
If separate sample and hold devices are used for each measuring voltage, then parallel sampling capability is achieved, but device count and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample and hold functions within the ADC modules themselves, eliminating the need for separate external sample and hold devices for each measuring voltage. Each ADC integrates its own sampling mechanism, allowing parallel sampling of multiple voltages while reducing the total device count.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ADC is designed as a multi-functional unit that can independently perform sampling, holding, and conversion operations. This universal capability allows any ADC in the system to handle multiple measuring voltages through role assignment, reducing the need for dedicated sample and hold devices for each voltage channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A system with signal converter devices, in particular, ADCs (analog-to-digital converters), a device for use in a signal converter system, and a method for operating a signal converter system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system with a plurality of signal converter devices is provided, each signal converter device being adapted to variably be assigned one of several predefined roles in the system.