Configurable Analog Front End for Multi-Sensor Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mixed-signal integrated circuits face challenges in properly converting diverse signal types from sensor devices, such as high impedance, current, small, and wide common mode signals, due to limitations in typical analog front ends and analog-to-digital converters, which result in inaccurate measurements and compatibility issues with various sensors.
Innovation Solution
A configurable interface circuit that includes operational amplifiers, programmable gain amplifiers, and select circuits, which can be configured using control signals to selectively couple signals to an analog-to-digital converter, enabling the conversion of current, ground-referenced, and wide swing common mode signals into a suitable format for processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical analog front end is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but it cannot properly convert diverse signal types from sensor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal analog front end that can handle multiple signal types (current, voltage, differential, single-ended) through a single integrated circuit. The circuit includes configurable amplifiers and select circuits that can be programmed via control signals to adapt to different sensor output types, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated circuits for different signal formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The analog front end employs dynamic configuration capabilities where control signals can reconfigure the circuit topology in real-time. Select circuits and programmable gain amplifiers can be dynamically adjusted to match the required signal processing mode, allowing the same hardware to adapt its behavior based on the input signal characteristics without physical reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If conventional analog-to-digital converters are used, then the device complexity is low, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for diverse signal types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary signal conditioning before the analog-to-digital conversion process. The analog front end performs pre-amplification, buffering, and signal format conversion to prepare diverse input signals (current, voltage, differential) into a standardized format that optimizes the ADC's measurement accuracy. This preliminary preparation ensures that the ADC receives signals in the ideal format for high-precision conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The analog front end acts as an intermediary between diverse sensor outputs and the ADC. It includes configurable amplifiers and select circuits that mediate the signal transformation, converting various sensor signal types into a unified format suitable for the ADC. This intermediary layer isolates the ADC from signal format variations, maintaining high conversion accuracy across different input types.
3Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated circuits are used for different signal types, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated signal processing circuits into a single integrated analog front end. Instead of having separate circuits for current signals, voltage signals, differential signals, and single-ended signals, the invention combines them into one unified circuit with configurable components. This consolidation maintains the precision of dedicated circuits while achieving the adaptability of multiple circuits through a single integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a configurable interface. The configurable interface includes an operational amplifier, a programmable gain amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter and a first select circuit. The first select circuit is configured to selectively couple the operational amplifier to the analog-to-digital converter in response to a first control signal. The first select circuit is further configured to selectively couple the programmable gain amplifier to the analog-to-digital converter in response to the first control signal.