Analog Front-End Circuit Using a Multiplexing Capacitor to Shrink Chip Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog front-end circuits in existing technologies are large in size due to the inclusion of multi-stage amplifiers and capacitors, making miniaturization difficult.
Innovation Solution
The analog front-end circuit incorporates a pre-amplifier, multiplexing capacitor, and state switching unit to eliminate the coupling capacitor between the pre- and post-amplifiers, using a multiplexing capacitor as a direct coupling capacitor, and integrates these components into a gene sequencing chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-stage amplifiers and multiple capacitors are used in the analog front-end circuit, then the amplification performance is improved, but the circuit size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling capacitor and multiplexing capacitor into a single multiplexing capacitor that serves both functions. The multiplexing capacitor is configured to act as a coupling capacitor during signal transmission and as a multiplexing capacitor during signal selection, thereby reducing the total capacitor count while maintaining amplification performance
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexing capacitor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a coupling capacitor for signal transmission between amplification stages and as a multiplexing capacitor for signal selection and routing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated capacitors, reducing circuit size
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple capacitors are included in the analog front-end circuit, then the signal processing capability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling capacitor and multiplexing capacitor into a single component. The multiplexing capacitor is configured to perform both coupling and multiplexing functions at different time periods, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining signal processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexing capacitor dynamically switches between different functional states: during the first time period it acts as a coupling capacitor for signal transmission, and during the second time period it acts as a multiplexing capacitor for signal selection. This dynamic functionality reduces circuit complexity while maintaining versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
An analog front-end circuit, a working method thereof, and a gene sequencing chip are provided. The analog front-end circuit includes a pre-amplifier, a multiplexing capacitor, a state switching unit, and a post-amplifier. The state switching unit is configured to, in a first state, connect a first terminal of the multiplexing capacitor to a first input terminal of the pre-amplifier and connect a second terminal of the multiplexing capacitor to an output terminal of the pre-amplifier, and configured to, in a second state, connect the first terminal of the multiplexing capacitor to a first level and connect a second terminal of the multiplexing capacitor to a first input terminal of the post-amplifier.