Column-Parallel Delta-Sigma ADC for Faster Image Sensor Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog-to-digital converters face challenges in achieving high operation speed, small size, and low power consumption, especially when converting analog signals to digital signals with multiple bits, which affects their performance in image sensors.
Innovation Solution
The proposed analog-to-digital converter employs a multistage delta-sigma modulation structure with multiple modulators cascaded along column lines, allowing sequential delta-sigma modulation of analog input signals and residue voltages to generate digital bit stream signals, thereby enhancing operation speed and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional analog-to-digital converters are used, then device size and power consumption are reduced, but operation speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is divided into multiple conversion units, each handling a portion of the conversion process. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different signal components, thereby increasing overall operation speed without requiring a single complex converter to handle the entire conversion task alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential single-bit conversion to parallel multi-bit conversion by introducing multiple conversion units that operate simultaneously. This dimensional change in processing architecture enables faster conversion rates while maintaining manageable device complexity through distributed processing.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional analog-to-digital converters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the conversion function across multiple specialized units, each unit can be optimized for low power consumption. The segmented architecture allows idle units to enter low-power states while active units perform conversion, reducing overall power consumption compared to a single always-active converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the conversion process by using multiple units with different operating modes. This allows dynamic adjustment of power consumption based on actual conversion needs, achieving lower average power consumption while maintaining the required conversion capability.
3Productivity
If conventional analog-to-digital converters are used, then device size is reduced, but operation speed and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion function is segmented into multiple units that can process different portions of the signal simultaneously. This parallel processing capability increases frame rate and resolution (productivity) without requiring a single large converter, as the functional area is distributed across multiple smaller units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple conversion units are merged into a coordinated system that achieves higher overall productivity. By combining the output of multiple units, the system achieves high frame rates and resolutions while the physical area is efficiently utilized through shared resources and compact unit design.
Data Source
AI summary
An analog-to-digital converter includes a modulation unit and a digital signal generation unit. The modulation unit is disposed corresponding to at least one column line, and sequentially perform delta-sigma modulation on an analog input signal and at least one residue voltage to generate digital bit stream signals. The analog input signal is input through the at least one column line. The at least one residue voltage is generated by performing the delta-sigma modulation on the analog input signal. The digital signal generation unit generates a digital signal corresponding to the analog input signal based on the digital bit stream signals.