Analog to Digital Conversion Using Time Interval Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing SinCT method for analog-to-digital conversion produces time stamps with irregular intervals, requiring a time-consuming gridding process to convert signals into a constant interval format necessary for applications like FFT, which is inefficient for digital automatic test equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method that samples an analog signal and generates synchronized reference signals with different amplitude ranges to determine time intervals where the signal comparison satisfies a prescribed condition, allowing for direct determination of digital amplitudes at constant intervals without the need for gridding, using a system comprising a sampler, comparator, time interval analyzer, and calculating apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the SinCT method is used for analog-to-digital conversion, then the conversion can be performed with simple hardware, but the output time stamps have irregular intervals requiring time-consuming gridding processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating time interval information during the sampling process itself. The time interval analyzer continuously measures and stores time intervals between sampling points, so when constant interval data is needed, the system can directly retrieve and use this pre-computed information without performing time-consuming gridding operations later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time interval analyzer as an intermediary component between the sampler and the data processing stage. This intermediary device captures and processes time interval information, converting irregular sampling intervals into usable constant interval data through measurement and calculation, thereby eliminating the need for complex gridding algorithms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gridding is performed to convert irregular time stamps to constant intervals, then the data becomes suitable for FFT processing, but the computation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gridding computation process with a time interval measurement and calculation system. Instead of using complex interpolation algorithms to generate constant interval data, the system directly measures time intervals and uses mathematical relationships to determine amplitudes at constant time points, significantly reducing computational burden while maintaining data compatibility for FFT processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from modifying time parameters through interpolation to directly measuring and utilizing time interval parameters. By focusing on time interval measurement rather than amplitude interpolation, the system achieves constant interval data with much lower computational complexity, improving processing speed while maintaining adaptability for various applications including FFT.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference signals with different amplitude ranges are used in parallel, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the amplitude measurement range into multiple segments, each handled by a dedicated reference signal with a specific amplitude range. This segmentation allows precise measurement of different signal levels using appropriate reference signals, improving overall measurement precision while keeping each individual measurement path relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the reference signal generation system to handle multiple amplitude ranges simultaneously. The same basic reference signal generation mechanism is used across different amplitude ranges, with each reference signal serving multiple purposes: defining measurement thresholds, providing timing references, and enabling amplitude determination. This universal approach improves precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An analog signal is sampled; a reference signal synchronized to the sampling is generated; the sampling result is compared to said reference signal; the time interval from the sampling point to the time the comparison result satisfies the prescribed condition is acquired; and the amplitude of the digital representation is determined from the acquired time interval and knowledge of the reference signal.