Capacitor-Based Histogram Generation for Low-Power Event Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing histogram generation methods face challenges in achieving high resolution while maintaining low power consumption and cost, particularly in time-critical applications such as fluorescence decay time measurements, due to high power consumption and bulkiness associated with using multiple Time to Digital Converters (TDCs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).
Innovation Solution
A signal processing method that connects event detectors to a current injection module and capacitors, where each capacitor is assigned to a bin, allowing current signals from event detectors to be injected and stored, reducing data volume and power consumption by eliminating the need for complex digital gates at high frequencies, and enabling high frame rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple TDCs and FPGAs are used for high-resolution histogram generation, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases and device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digital electronic systems (TDCs and FPGAs) with an analog current integration system. Event detector outputs directly charge capacitors through current mirrors, eliminating the need for digital conversion and processing. This substitution of analog for digital mechanics achieves high-resolution histogram generation with significantly reduced power consumption and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple TDCs and FPGAs are used for high-resolution histogram generation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (event detectors, TDCs, and histogram generation circuits) into a single integrated analog system. Current mirrors directly couple event detector outputs to capacitor charging circuits, combining detection, timing, and histogram generation functions into one compact device, thereby reducing overall device complexity and bulkiness while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Productivity
If data is transmitted at high frequency rates for real-time histogram generation, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling and integration where capacitors accumulate charge over fixed time intervals corresponding to histogram bins. This periodic charge accumulation followed by periodic readout and reset enables high frame rate operation without requiring continuous high-frequency data transmission, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining high productivity.
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 method achieves high-resolution histogram generation with low power consumption and reduced production costs, suitable for time-critical applications like fluorescence decay time measurements, by directly linking charge accumulation in capacitors to event counts and allowing independent control of current injection for each event detector.
Implementation Method 1
a current injection module which is connected to a plurality of capacitors, wherein the histogram to be generated comprises a plurality of bins and each of the bins is univocally assigned to a capacitor among the plurality of capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
Signal processing method for histogram generation, and corresponding device and use. The method generates the histogram from a plurality of event detectors that generate event signals as a response to external events, and are connected to a current injection module which is connected to a plurality of capacitors, wherein each histogram bin is univocally assigned to a capacitor. The method includes: during an event time interval corresponding to a bin, the event detectors generate event signals as a response to external events; the current injection module detects said event signals and, for each event signal, generates a corresponding current signal, which is injected in a capacitor assigned to said bin, and stored therein; repeating steps for each successive bin of said histogram; and reading the charge accumulated in each of said capacitors.