Asynchronous Radiation Signal Digitization With Comparator Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analogue-to-digital conversion systems for X- or gamma-ray detectors face challenges of being either slow and imprecise or having high resource and power consumption, making them unsuitable for detailed signal analysis in spectrometric imaging applications like nuclear medicine.
Innovation Solution
A digitization device using a comparator with a feedback loop and smoothing filter, where the second signal is controlled based on the comparator's output, estimating the signal using switching times and filter parameters, and storing these values for interpolation, allowing for efficient digitization of pulse signals from ionizing electromagnetic radiation detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If synchronous analogue-to-digital converters are used for high-frequency pulse sampling, then conversion speed is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion process is divided into two independent stages: a fast asynchronous converter that captures transient pulse timing with minimal complexity, and a separate processing stage that reconstructs the signal. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving high speed without proportional increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic sampling of the transient signal at asynchronous moments, rather than continuous synchronous sampling. By capturing signals at periodic intervals determined by event occurrence rather than a fixed clock, the system achieves high effective conversion speed for rare events while maintaining low average power consumption and reduced device complexity.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If asynchronous analogue-to-digital converters are used for transient signal digitisation, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the asynchronous converter output is continuously monitored and used to adjust subsequent sampling parameters. This feedback loop ensures that precision is maintained by adapting the sampling strategy based on actual signal characteristics, while the asynchronous nature keeps power consumption low by avoiding continuous high-speed conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically changes conversion parameters such as sampling rate and precision level based on the characteristics of the incoming transient signal. For significant events, higher precision is applied; for background noise, lower precision suffices. This parameter adaptation maintains measurement precision while minimizing power consumption across different operating conditions.
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
This approach enables high-speed and precise digitization of X- or gamma-ray detection signals, reducing resource consumption and improving analysis capabilities while maintaining low power usage, particularly suitable for spectrometric imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a comparator arranged so as to receive, on a first of the inputs thereof, a first signal referred to as the 'detection signal' and to deliver, based on a comparison with a second signal applied to a second of the inputs thereof, a two-state output signal
Implementation Method 2
the control means further comprising a 'smoothing' filter
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sampling or digitising a detection signal from an X-or gamma-ray detector wherein, during a sampling time, estimations of a feedback signal are made at times when the signal injected to the inverting input of a comparator is equal to the detection signal at the non-inverting input of said comparator.