Current-Output Peak Detector for Rail-to-Rail Precision Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peak detectors are limited by their inability to operate with rail-to-rail voltage inputs and provide current outputs for current-input processing electronics, leading to non-linear errors and reduced precision in peak detection.
Innovation Solution
A current-output peak detector circuit that operates in two phases, utilizing switches and transistors to convert voltage signals to current outputs while correcting for amplifier offset errors, enabling high-precision peak detection and voltage-to-current conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a voltage-output peak detector is used with voltage-input processing electronics, then the circuit can operate with standard voltage processing, but additional voltage-to-current conversion stages are required when current-input processing electronics are needed, increasing device complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The peak detector circuit is designed to provide a current output directly, making it compatible with both voltage-input and current-input processing electronics. The circuit uses a transimpedance amplifier configuration that naturally produces a current output, eliminating the need for separate voltage-to-current conversion stages when using current-input ADCs or other current-processing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the peak detection function with the voltage-to-current conversion function into a single integrated circuit stage. The transimpedance amplifier simultaneously detects the peak voltage and converts it to a proportional current output, merging two functions that would traditionally require separate stages.
2Productivity
If a rail-to-rail peak detector is implemented to maximize dynamic range, then the circuit can process voltages from ground to maximum supply voltage, but non-linear errors due to voltage offsets at complementary differential input stages reduce detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic complementary differential input stage from the rail-to-rail peak detector design. By using a single-pole transimpedance amplifier architecture instead of a complementary differential structure, the circuit avoids voltage offset errors while maintaining rail-to-rail operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the architectural parameter of the peak detector from a complementary differential structure to a single-pole transimpedance amplifier structure. This parameter change eliminates the voltage offset issue inherent in complementary differential stages while preserving the ability to operate across the full supply voltage range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional conversion stages are added to enable current output for current-input processing electronics, then compatibility with current-input ADCs is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the peak detection and voltage-to-current conversion functions into a single transimpedance amplifier stage. This integration eliminates the need for additional separate conversion stages, thereby reducing the total power consumption while maintaining compatibility with current-input processing electronics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The circuit achieves high-precision peak detection and current output, overcoming non-linear errors and enhancing measurement accuracy for rail-to-rail voltage inputs, suitable for both low- and high-resolution measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a low-noise charge amplifier 102... A charge signal Q from a sensor of the radiation detector is amplified by the charge amplifier 102
Implementation Method 2
a filter 104, receiving and filtering the amplified signal and generating a filtered signal
Implementation Method 3
a peak detector coupled with the filter at the output terminal of the filter, generating a current output corresponding to the peak voltage amplitude of the received voltage signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a current-output peak detector. A current-output peak detector circuit is disclosed and works in two phases. The peak detector circuit includes switches to switch the peak detector circuit from the first phase to the second phase upon detection of the peak voltage of an input voltage signal. The peak detector generates a current output with a high degree of accuracy in the second phase.