Current-Mode Sigma-Delta ADC Input Without Conversion Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuous time sigma delta ADC circuits incur overhead in terms of circuit elements and power requirements due to the need for current-to-voltage and voltage-to-current conversion, despite handling current mode input signals.
Innovation Solution
The circuitry is modified to operate directly in current mode, eliminating the need for a current-to-voltage driver by using current mode mixing circuitry to drive the sigma delta ADC circuitry, thereby bypassing the conversion overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voltage-to-current conversion circuitry is used to interface mixer circuitry with sigma delta ADC circuitry, then compatibility between voltage-mode mixer output and current-mode ADC input is achieved, but circuit complexity and power consumption increase due to additional conversion stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary voltage-to-current conversion stage from the signal path. By redesigning the mixer circuitry to output current mode signals directly, the conversion circuitry (14) is removed entirely, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining compatibility between mixer and ADC stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage-mode mixing function with current-mode output capability into a single integrated mixer circuit. The mixer circuitry is redesigned to perform both voltage mixing and current mode conversion in one stage, eliminating the need for separate conversion circuitry and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If voltage-to-current conversion circuitry is used to interface mixer circuitry with sigma delta ADC circuitry, then proper signal level matching is achieved, but power consumption increases due to additional active components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power-consuming voltage-to-current conversion circuitry from the signal path. By generating current mode output signals directly at the mixer stage, the additional active components responsible for conversion are eliminated, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining proper signal level matching
Solution Approach 2:
The mixer circuitry is designed to self-generate properly matched current mode output signals without requiring external conversion assistance. The mixing stage itself performs the function of level matching and mode conversion, making the system more power-efficient by eliminating dependency on additional powered conversion stages
Data Source
AI summary
Continuous time sigma delta (ΣΔ) analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) circuitry and method in which current mode ΣΔ ADC circuitry is driven directly by current mode mixing circuitry, thereby avoiding a need for a current-to-voltage driver between the input signal mixing circuitry and ΣΔ ADC circuitry.