Comparator Offset Adjustment Using Charge-Pump Memory Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, particularly analog comparators and amplifiers, face challenges in reducing offset and current consumption, with existing solutions either increasing output lag or persisting offset issues in comparison chains.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a memory circuit, incrementing/decrementing circuit, and switching circuit with a charge pump to adjust the output signal of an electronic device by momentarily switching inputs and linking outputs to a memory capacitor, reducing offset and current consumption by incrementing/decrementing the adjustment signal to achieve a predetermined state or threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cascaded amplifier stages with increasing gains are used to reduce comparator offset, then offset is reduced, but output lag increases due to multiple short-circuiting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing offset compensation before the comparison operation. The compensation phase momentarily short-circuits the inputs to measure and compensate for offset, then the normal comparison operation proceeds without further short-circuiting during the actual measurement, thus reducing output lag while maintaining offset reduction benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by separating offset compensation and comparison operations into distinct time periods. The offset compensation occurs during a dedicated compensation phase, followed by a comparison phase, allowing the system to achieve both offset reduction and minimal output lag through time-multiplexed operation
2Measurement precision
If wideband preamplification stage with small offset is used, then offset is reduced, but current consumption remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by measuring and compensating for offset during a dedicated compensation phase before normal operation. This allows the use of lower-power amplifier stages during comparison, as the offset has already been compensated, reducing overall current consumption while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by switching the amplifier between different operating modes: a high-gain compensation mode during offset measurement and a lower-power comparison mode during normal operation. This dynamic switching allows the system to achieve low offset without continuously consuming high current
3Measurement precision
If multiple preamplification stages with resistive averaging bridge are used, then offset dispersion is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring offset during a dedicated compensation phase and applying compensation before normal comparison operation. This eliminates the need for complex resistive averaging bridges with multiple preamplification stages, reducing device complexity while maintaining offset precision through temporal separation of compensation and measurement
4Measurement precision
If flip-flop stage is used in comparator layout, then offset is reduced, but current consumption and offset problems persist in comparison chains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by performing offset compensation before the flip-flop stage operation. The compensation phase measures and corrects offset in the comparison chain, allowing the flip-flop stage to operate with reduced current consumption and minimized offset issues during the actual comparison operation
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
Effectively reduces offset and current consumption in electronic devices by adjusting the output signal to a predetermined state, improving the performance of comparators and amplifiers while minimizing the impact on intrinsic current consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the incrementation/decrementation of the voltage of the envisaged adjustment capacitor is effected by a current, this current arising from the common point of a charge pump subjected to the output signal of the electronic device that is to be adjusted or set
Data Source
AI summary
Method and device for adjusting or setting an electronic device (1) exhibiting at least one input for an external input signal and at least one output signal output, the value or the state of the output signal being a function of the values or of the state of the input signal. A memory circuit (9) for the value of an adjustment signal is linked to an adjustment input of the electronic device. A circuit (11) increments/decrements said adjustment value stored in said memory circuit. A switching circuit (12) switches said input of the electronic device to a predetermined state and links said output of the electronic device to said memory circuit via said incrementing/decrementing circuit. Said incrementing/decrementing circuit (11) is adapted for adjusting the value of said adjustment signal so that, when said input is switched to said predetermined state, the value or the state of said output signal tend to or attain a predetermined value or a predetermined state.