Chopper-Stabilized Amplifier Clock Level Shifting for High-Voltage Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chopper-stabilized amplifiers struggle to operate effectively at high input signal voltage levels above 12 volts, as existing clock signals with low voltage amplitudes are insufficient to control switching devices, leading to inadequate switching and noise in applications requiring higher voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an analog-driven level shifter that generates level-shifted complementary clock signals corresponding to the input signal voltage, coupled with a chopper-stabilized amplifier configuration using a first and second chopper circuit and symmetrical RC notch filters, ensures proper switching and noise reduction across a wide voltage range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional low-voltage clock signals are used to control switching devices, then the amplifier can operate at low power supply voltages (1.8V-5.5V), but the amplifier cannot handle high input signal voltage levels (above 12V) effectively
Solution Approach 1:
An analog-driven level shifter circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the clock signal source and the switching devices. This level shifter translates the voltage levels of the clock signals to match the higher input signal voltage levels, enabling effective control of switching devices at high voltages without requiring the entire amplifier to operate at high power supply voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage level parameter of the clock signals is dynamically adjusted based on the input signal voltage level. The analog-driven level shifter modifies the clock signal parameters (voltage amplitude) to correspond to the instantaneous voltage level of the input signal, allowing the switching devices to operate effectively across a wide voltage range.
2Reliability
If the clock signal voltage amplitude is increased to match high input signal levels, then switching effectiveness improves, but the complexity of the clock signal generation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The analog-driven level shifter serves as a relatively simple intermediary circuit that automatically adjusts clock signal voltage levels without requiring complex clock generation systems. It translates standard low-voltage clock signals to the required high voltage levels dynamically, avoiding the need for multiple voltage domains or complex high-voltage clock generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The level shifter is driven by the input signal itself, making the system self-adapting. The input signal voltage level automatically determines the appropriate clock signal voltage level through the analog-driven level shifter, eliminating the need for external control circuits or complex voltage detection and adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high voltage levels are applied to the amplifier, then the amplifier can handle high-voltage applications (automotive, industrial), but offset voltages and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier is divided into distinct functional segments: a chopper-stabilized amplifier core that operates at low voltages to maintain low noise and offset, and an analog-driven level shifter that handles the high-voltage interface. This segmentation allows each part to operate in its optimal voltage range, reducing overall offset and noise while maintaining high-voltage compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct high-voltage operation of the amplifier core with an analog signal translation mechanism. Instead of having the amplifier core handle high voltages directly (which would increase noise and offset), the system uses voltage-level translation to maintain the core amplifier at low operating voltages while interfacing with high-voltage signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A chopper-stabilized amplifier that includes an analog driven level shifter is disclosed. The analog driven level shifter changes the levels of a pair of complementary clock signals according to a level associated with an input signal to the chopper-stabilized amplifier. The level shifted complementary clock signals are used to control switching devices used for chopping input signals of various voltages. The chopper-stabilized amplifier also includes symmetrical passive RC notch filters having two cut-off frequencies to reduce ripple noise from the chopping.