Configurable ADC Array for Resolution-Speed Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) require system design around pre-existing performance characteristics, limiting user options and increasing costs and lead times, as they cannot be easily configured to change data conversion performance characteristics or types of ADC functions.
Innovation Solution
A data converter module with a data conversion array (DCA) that includes selectively engageable data conversion circuits for configurable data resolution and speed, allowing users to select from various types such as averaging, oversampling, and multi-stage pipelining, and dynamically configure the conversion process based on configuration signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-performance ADC is used, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but the user cannot customize performance characteristics to match specific signal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC is divided into multiple independent data conversion circuits, each optimized for specific performance characteristics (e.g., high-speed, high-resolution, oversampling). These segmented circuits can be selectively activated based on signal requirements, allowing customization without requiring a complete redesign of the ADC system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ADC system implements dynamic configuration capability where data conversion circuits can be selectively enabled or disabled based on real-time signal requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance characteristics (data rate, resolution, SNR) for different applications without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed ADCs are provided for different performance requirements, then user options increase, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC system is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple data conversion functions within a single integrated circuit. Different data conversion circuits share common infrastructure (signal paths, control logic, output interfaces), allowing the system to provide various ADC functions (different resolutions, sampling rates, and architectures) without requiring separate dedicated ADCs for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple data conversion circuits with different performance characteristics are merged into a single ADC device. The circuits share common resources and are controlled by a unified configuration mechanism, reducing the overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate ADC devices while still providing diverse performance options.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution conversion is used, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but data conversion speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC system segments different resolution/speed requirements into separate data conversion circuits. High-resolution circuits (e.g., 16-bit) are optimized for precision applications, while high-speed circuits (e.g., 8-bit flash ADCs) are optimized for bandwidth-critical applications. The system selects the appropriate circuit based on signal characteristics, avoiding the compromise that would result from using a single fixed-resolution ADC.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (resolution, sampling rate, architecture type) by selecting different data conversion circuits. This parameter adaptability allows the system to optimize the resolution-speed tradeoff for each specific application, rather than being constrained to a fixed operating point.
Data Source
AI summary
A data converter module is provided with an analog interface to receive analog signals, a digital interface to transmit digital signals, and a configuration interface to accept configuration signals. The data conversion module also includes a data conversion array (DCA) with selectively engageable data conversion circuits for the conversion of analog input signals to digital output signals, where the data conversion circuits are responsive to the configuration signals. The DCA's data conversion circuits include configurable data resolution circuits and configurable data conversion speed circuits. For example, the configurable data resolution circuits may be selected from averaging, oversampling, and multi-stage pipelining circuits. The DCA configurable data speed circuit may interleave the outputs from multiple parallelly connected ADCs operating at different clock phases. In one aspect, the number of clock phases is selectable. Also provided are methods for configurable data conversion.