Configurable Data Converter Array for Resolution and Data Rate Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ADC systems require custom design for specific performance characteristics, limiting user options and increasing costs and lead times, as they cannot be easily configured to change data rate, signal-to-noise ratio, or resolution without altering the type of ADC function being performed.
Innovation Solution
A data converter module with a data conversion array featuring selectively engageable data conversion circuits for configurable data resolution and speed, allowing users to choose from options like averaging, oversampling, and multi-stage pipelining, and enabling dynamic configuration of ADC functions through a configuration interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an ADC is designed with fixed performance characteristics, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability in a fixed ADC design by allowing users to select from multiple predefined performance modes (e.g., different data rates, resolutions, and signal-to-noise ratios) through software configuration. This enables the same hardware to adapt to different application requirements without requiring custom design for each performance level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal ADC platform that can perform multiple functions and meet different performance requirements through configurable parameters. The device includes selectable modes for various data rates, resolutions, and operating conditions, making it suitable for multiple applications without requiring separate custom-designed ADCs for each use case.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom ADC designs are created for specific performance characteristics, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple custom ADC designs by providing a single universal device with configurable performance characteristics. Users can select from predefined modes that offer different data rates, resolutions, and signal-to-noise ratios, thereby achieving application-specific performance without the complexity and cost of custom design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows performance characteristics to be changed through software configuration rather than hardware redesign. By enabling users to adjust parameters such as data rate, resolution, and sampling frequency through configuration registers, the system achieves manufacturing precision for specific applications without the complexity of custom hardware designs.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom ADC designs are created for specific performance characteristics, then manufacturing precision is improved, but lead time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a universal ADC platform with predefined performance modes that can be configured through software, eliminating the need for custom design and lengthy development cycles. Users can immediately deploy the device in different performance modes without waiting for custom manufacturing, thereby reducing lead time while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple performance modes and characteristics in the standard device design before deployment. By anticipating different application requirements and building them into the factory-default configuration options, the system eliminates the need for post-deployment customization, thereby reducing lead time while maintaining manufacturing precision.
4Measurement precision
If ADC resolution is increased, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resolution selection, allowing users to configure the ADC to operate at different resolution levels (e.g., 12-bit, 14-bit, or 16-bit) based on application requirements. This enables the system to achieve high measurement precision when needed while reducing complexity and power consumption for applications that require lower resolution, without requiring separate hardware designs for each resolution level.
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.