Time-Interleaved ADC Skew Calibration Using Multi-Tone Injection

The patent applies preliminary action by performing skew calibration before actual signal conversion. A calibration phase is executed first to measure and correct timing skews between ADC channels using test signals, establishing corrected timing relationships before the ADC operates on real input signals. This preliminary calibration step prevents timing skew errors from degrading the high sampling rate performance.

The patent implements feedback through an iterative skew calibration process. The system measures timing skew errors between ADC channels using test signals, calculates correction values, applies these corrections, and repeats the measurement to verify improvement. This closed-loop feedback continues until timing skew errors are reduced below a threshold, ensuring high precision is maintained at high sampling rates.

The patent applies self-service by designing an automated skew calibration system that performs its own calibration without external intervention. The ADC circuit includes built-in calibration logic that automatically generates test signals, measures timing skews, calculates correction values, and applies corrections to the ADC channels. This self-calibrating approach reduces the need for complex external calibration equipment and manual adjustment circuits.

The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the timing parameters of ADC channels based on measured skew errors. The calibration process modifies sampling phase parameters and timing offset parameters of individual ADC channels to compensate for manufacturing variations and environmental effects. These parameter adjustments are applied through digital control signals that modify the operation of ADC channels without changing their physical structure.