Comparator-Gated ADC Conversion for Lower Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) face challenges in reducing power consumption without compromising performance, as the time required for conversion increases with the number of bits, leading to higher power consumption and decreased data rates.
Innovation Solution
An ADC system that includes a comparator and a mode control unit to transition between a determination mode and a conversion mode based on the analog signal's comparison to a threshold, optimizing power usage by only performing conversions when the signal is within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If bits are generated in order using sequential comparison ADC, then the converter structure is simple and power consumption is reduced, but the conversion time increases with the number of bits leading to decreased data rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ADC operational mode changeable based on signal conditions. The system dynamically transitions between determination mode and conversion mode, allowing the converter to adapt its behavior to the current signal state, thereby optimizing both power consumption and data rate according to actual needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (mode) of the ADC based on the determination result. When the analog signal is determined to be within the predetermined range, the system switches to conversion mode to generate digital signals, otherwise it remains in determination mode, thus controlling power consumption while maintaining data rate performance
2Use of energy by moving object
If the sampling rate or number of bits is decreased to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the data rate of the digital signal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC system performs self-service by automatically determining whether conversion is necessary through the determination mode. The system serves itself by controlling its own power consumption based on signal conditions without external intervention, switching to conversion mode only when the analog signal is within the predetermined range, thus maintaining data rate while reducing unnecessary power consumption
3Productivity
If the analog signal is always converted to digital signal, then the data rate is maintained, but power consumption increases due to unnecessary conversions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing determination mode checking before actual conversion. The system preliminarily assesses whether the analog signal is within the predetermined range using the comparator and control logic, and only proceeds to conversion mode when necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary conversions and reducing power consumption while maintaining data rate performance
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce power consumption of an analog-to-digital converter in which a comparator is provided. An analog-to-digital converter includes a comparator and a mode control unit. The comparator is configured to generate a comparison result by comparing an analog signal to a threshold indicating a boundary of a predetermined range in a determination mode and convert the analog signal into a digital signal in a conversion mode. The mode control unit is configured to transition the determination mode to the conversion mode in a case in which the comparison result indicating that the analog signal is not within the predetermined range is generated.