Charge Measurement Using Successive Approximation Integrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional current integrators require analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for accurate charge measurement, which increases costs and complexity, and lack efficient digital control for voltage regulation.
Innovation Solution
A successive approximation integrator circuit that uses a comparator, controllable current source, and digital logic circuit to regulate voltage and measure charge digitally, eliminating the need for ADCs by controlling current and time to approach a reference voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional current integrators use analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for accurate charge measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ADC component from the traditional integrator circuit, replacing it with a digital control system that directly measures charge through successive approximation using a comparator and controllable current source, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the analog ADC conversion mechanism with a digital control system that uses digital logic circuits to control current source operation based on comparator feedback, replacing analog-to-digital conversion with a purely digital measurement approach
2Measurement precision
If traditional integrators use ADCs for charge measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the ADC component from the circuit, the patent eliminates the need for expensive analog-to-digital conversion hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the same measurement precision through a different architectural approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, lower-cost digital logic components and standard comparator circuits instead of expensive ADCs, using readily available inexpensive components to achieve the measurement function
3Productivity
If traditional integrators lack digital control, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage regulation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the comparator continuously monitors the voltage difference between the input and reference, and the digital logic circuit adjusts the controllable current source accordingly to maintain accurate voltage regulation, significantly improving regulation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic control system where the controllable current source can adjust its current output in real-time based on digital logic decisions, allowing the system to adapt and optimize voltage regulation efficiency under varying 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
Enables efficient and accurate digital measurement of charge without ADCs, reducing costs and improving performance by using digital circuits for successive approximation integration.
Implementation Method 1
regulating a voltage associated with an external source that is coupled to the first input of the comparator and keeps track of the charge used to regulate the voltage
Implementation Method 2
measuring a difference in voltage between a source coupled to the first input and another source coupled to the second input
Implementation Method 3
integrating a current associated with the external source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a comparator that includes a first input, a second input and an output. The comparator is configured for measuring a difference in voltage between a source coupled to the first input and another source coupled to the second input, and providing information associated with the measured difference at the output. The apparatus also comprises a controllable current source coupled to the first input of the comparator and configured for supplying or drawing current. The apparatus also comprises a digital logic circuit that is configured for controlling an amount of current supplied or drawn by the controllable current source. The apparatus is configured for measuring a charge associated with an external source that is coupled to the first input of the comparator.