Composite ADC Architecture for Extended Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog to digital converters (ADCs) face challenges in extending their dynamic input range without proportionately increasing the number of quantization levels, which leads to reduced resolution and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a composite ADC module with multiple ADCs and a combining logic module that selects the intermediate digital output signal with the smallest resolution for the final digital output, based on non-clipping input values, allowing for an extended dynamic range without increasing the number of quantization levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of quantization levels is increased to extend dynamic input range, then dynamic input range is improved, but area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ADC into multiple sub-ADCs, each handling a specific segment of the input signal range. Each sub-ADC has fewer quantization levels than a single high-resolution ADC would require, reducing individual power consumption while collectively covering the full dynamic range through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional approach (one ADC with many quantization levels) to a multi-dimensional approach (multiple ADCs with fewer levels each, operating in parallel). This dimensional change allows the system to achieve extended dynamic range without proportionally increasing the quantization levels of each individual converter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of quantization levels is increased to extend dynamic input range, then dynamic input range is improved, but area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ADC functionality across multiple sub-ADCs, each with reduced quantization levels. This segmentation allows the total area to be distributed across multiple smaller units rather than requiring one large high-resolution ADC, potentially improving area efficiency through modular design and parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves from a single ADC architecture to a multi-ADC parallel architecture, changing the dimensional organization of the converter. This allows the system to achieve extended dynamic range by adding parallel processing paths rather than increasing the resolution of a single converter, which would require proportionally more area.
3Reliability
If attenuation is applied to prevent clipping, then clipping is reduced, but resolution decreases and quantization noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input signal range into multiple segments, each handled by a dedicated sub-ADC. Each sub-ADC operates without attenuation for its specific range, maintaining full resolution and minimizing quantization noise while preventing clipping through the segmented architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic range handling by selectively activating different sub-ADCs based on the input signal level. Each sub-ADC is optimized for a specific dynamic range segment, allowing the system to maintain high resolution across the full range without requiring constant attenuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is disclosed to extend a dynamic input range of an analog to digital converter (ADC). A composite ADC may include one or more ADCs. The one or more ADCs compare a signal metric of an analog input signal to quantization levels to produce intermediate digital output signals using one or more non-clipping input values. The composite ADC may select among the one or more intermediate digital output signals based on the signal metric of the analog input signal to produce a final digital output.