AD/DA Converter Using Bit-Weighted Pulse Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog-to-digital (AD) and digital-to-analog (DA) conversion technologies require complex digital circuits and processes, such as feedback, modulation, and digital computations, leading to increased complexity and circuit size.
Innovation Solution
An AD conversion apparatus and DA conversion apparatus that utilize a pattern generating section to create pulse-width or pulse-number signals corresponding to bit weights, an integrating section to accumulate these signals, and a comparing section to output data based on comparison results, reducing the need for complex digital processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If successive approximation AD converter uses feedback and digital computation to generate threshold voltage, then conversion accuracy is improved, but digital circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the digital computation functions (feedback, modulation, addition/subtraction) from the AD converter system and removes them entirely. Instead, it uses a pure analog integrating circuit to perform the conversion, keeping only the essential comparison function which dramatically reduces digital circuit complexity while maintaining conversion accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the digital computation system (mechanical/electronic digital circuits) with an analog integration system. The integrating circuit uses continuous analog voltage integration to achieve the conversion function that previously required discrete digital operations, thereby eliminating the need for complex digital logic circuits.
2Productivity
If integration AD converter performs digital adding process to count clock, then conversion function is achieved, but digital circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the digital adding process and clock counting mechanism with an analog integration process. The integrating circuit continuously accumulates the input signal voltage over time, achieving the conversion function without requiring digital counters, adders, or clock synchronization circuits.
3Measurement precision
If sigma-delta AD converter performs modulation and addition/subtraction processes, then conversion accuracy is improved, but digital circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the modulation and addition/subtraction digital processing stages from the sigma-delta conversion system. It retains only the essential integration and comparison functions, achieving conversion accuracy through pure analog processing without the complex digital signal processing chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the digital modulation and arithmetic operations with continuous analog integration. The integrating circuit performs the accumulation function in the analog domain, eliminating the need for digital modulators, adders, and subtractors while maintaining the high-resolution conversion capability.
4Measurement precision
If DA converter counts up/down signals through digital process to generate desired voltage, then voltage precision is improved, but digital circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the digital counting process for up/down signals with continuous analog integration. The integrating circuit responds to up/down control signals by continuously adjusting the output voltage through analog charge accumulation, achieving precise voltage control without digital counters or state machines.
5Measurement precision
If pulse width or pulse number corresponds to bit weight in pattern signal, then conversion accuracy is improved, but digital processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital pulse width modulation or pulse counting methods with direct analog integration. The pattern signals with varying pulse widths or numbers are integrated analogously, where the integration time and accumulated charge directly represent the bit-weighted values, eliminating the need for digital pulse generation and counting circuits.
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 simplifies the conversion process, reduces digital circuit complexity, and achieves accurate data conversion with minimal digital processing, allowing for efficient AD and DA conversions.
Implementation Method 1
an integrating section that integrates the pattern signals according to a judgment value for judging a value of the target bit each time a pattern signal is generated, and outputs a reference signal obtained by accumulating the integrated value of each pattern signal
Data Source
AI summary
To decrease the burden of digital processing, provided is an AD conversion apparatus comprising a pattern generating section that, for each target bit specified one bit at a time moving downward in the output data, generates a pattern signal having a pulse width or number of pulses corresponding to a weighting of the target bit; an integrating section that integrates the pattern signals according to a judgment value for judging a value of the target bit each time a pattern signal is generated, and outputs a reference signal obtained by accumulating the integrated value of each pattern signal; a comparing section that, each time generation of a pattern signal is finished, compares the input signal to the reference signal; and an output section that outputs the output data to have values corresponding to the comparison results obtained after each generation of a pattern signal corresponding to a bit is finished.