Discrete-Time Analog Multiplier Using Voltage-to-Time Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog multiplier and divider circuits have limited dynamic range due to their reliance on transistor transfer characteristics, which can be inaccurate outside specific operational regions, restricting their input and output ranges and requiring careful control.
Innovation Solution
A discrete time analog circuit comprising a voltage to time converting means, control logic means, and a multiplier means, utilizing current sources, capacitors, comparators, and logic gates to achieve multiplication and division operations without relying on bipolar transistors, thereby expanding the dynamic range by proper scaling and autoscaling of signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional analog multiplier uses transistor transfer characteristics (exponential relation between base emitter voltage and collector current), then multiplication operation can be achieved, but the dynamic range is limited and input/output ranges are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by replacing transistor-based exponential relationships with capacitor charging/discharging linear relationships. The voltage-to-time converter uses capacitive integration where V = Q/C, creating a linear relationship between input voltage and output time interval, thereby expanding the dynamic range without relying on transistor region-of-operation constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electronic field effect (transistor current-voltage characteristics) with a different physical mechanism (capacitor charging dynamics). By using the relationship I = C(dV/dt) and integrating over time, the system achieves multiplication through T = (C/I) * V, replacing nonlinear transistor characteristics with linear capacitive behavior that operates over a wider dynamic range
2Measurement precision
If conventional analog multiplier requires careful control of transistor operation region, then accurate multiplication can be achieved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the multiplication function from the transistor's inherent exponential characteristics and implements it through a separate voltage-to-time conversion mechanism. By removing the dependency on transistor operating region and using capacitor charging dynamics instead, the system achieves accurate multiplication without requiring careful control of device operation regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage-to-time converter as an intermediary device that transforms the multiplication operation into a time interval measurement. This intermediary conversion allows the system to achieve accurate multiplication through linear capacitive charging rather than relying on transistor characteristics, thereby reducing control complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete time analog circuit uses voltage to time conversion with capacitor charging, then dynamic range is expanded, but the circuit complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage-to-time converter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs the core multiplication operation, provides signal conditioning, and enables wide dynamic range operation. By making this converter multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing circuit complexity while achieving expanded dynamic range
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
The solution allows for improved dynamic range and reduced variability due to process and temperature effects, enabling accurate analog multiplication and division without the limitations of transistor linearity, and facilitates conversion between analog and digital domains without requiring digital processing.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor coupled with the current source
Implementation Method 2
a comparator with an inverting input connecting to the node between the current source and the first capacitor, a non-inverting input for receiving a first voltage and an output
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to a discrete time analog multiplier and a discrete time analog divider. The multiplier and divider circuits are mainly using linear components such as capacitors, current sources, comparators and transconductance amplifiers, etc. The dynamic range is only limited by the available range of supply to the circuit rather than dependent on the transistor's linearity. Such limitation could be overcome by proper scaling or autoscaling of the signals. Hence, the limited dynamic range can be easily improved. With the help of using basic electronic components and operating in the analog domain, the conversion from analog to digital and/or digital to analog is not required.