Correlated Comparator Circuit for Micro-Voltage Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High precision and low voltage sensors require precise noise measurement in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), but existing technologies struggle to effectively reduce environmental noise, which impacts comparator performance due to noise levels falling below micro-voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method using a signal correlated unit and comparator system that includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) board, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and a receiver unit to generate correlated output signals, reducing input-referred noise through differential comparison and noise correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high precision sensors are used to achieve micro-voltage level resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but environmental noise becomes significant and cannot be ignored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies noise correlation technique where environmental noise affecting both correlated signals is identified and exploited. By intentionally creating correlated signals that both experience the same environmental noise, the system can distinguish and remove the common noise component, converting the harmful noise into a detectable pattern that can be eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a noise reference signal as an intermediary that captures environmental noise characteristics. This reference signal serves as a mediator between the environmental noise and the main measurement signals, allowing the noise to be identified and subtracted from the measurement path without directly interfering with the primary measurement function.
2Reliability
If noise reduction techniques are implemented, then comparator performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into distinct components: a signal correlated unit that generates correlated test signals, a comparator that measures differential signals, and a processing unit that analyzes the output. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall noise reduction approach by breaking down the complex measurement task into manageable stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the measurement path through correlated signals. By generating signals that mirror the same environmental noise conditions, the system can compare the copies to identify and eliminate common noise components, achieving noise reduction without requiring complex filtering circuits in the main measurement path.
3Measurement precision
If precise noise measurement is required for high resolution ADCs, then measurement precision is improved, but the voltage step becomes extremely small making noise more significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic signal modulation techniques where test signals are actively varied and correlated over time. By using dynamic comparison with modulated test signals rather than static measurements, the system can extract noise characteristics from the time-varying correlated signals, effectively measuring noise power even when individual voltage steps are extremely small.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct voltage level measurement to noise power measurement through correlation. By measuring the power spectral density or variance of correlated signals rather than absolute voltage levels, the system can achieve precise noise characterization even when the LSB voltage step is below micro-voltage levels, as noise power accumulates over multiple measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a circuitry. The circuitry includes a comparator and a signal correlated circuit. The comparator includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The signal correlated circuit includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first input terminal is coupled to receive a first input signal. The second input terminal is coupled to receive a second input signal independent from the first input signal. The first output terminal is configured to generate a first output signal and to send the first output signal to the first input terminal of the comparator. The second output terminal is configured to generate a second output signal and to send the second output signal to the second input terminal of the comparator. The first output signal and the second output signal are correlated.