Data Converter Linearity Monitoring for Aging-Related Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data converters experience changes in their transfer characteristics due to aging and environmental factors, leading to potential failure, which existing calibration methods fail to adequately monitor or predict.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for monitoring data converters by determining time-associated linearity parameters at multiple times and comparing them with a comparison parameter to assess the state of the converter, allowing for timely detection of degradation or failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data converters are calibrated once at the factory, then initial linearity requirements are met, but linearity degradation occurs over time due to aging and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration at the factory before delivery to establish initial linearity parameters. This pre-calibration ensures the data converter meets linearity requirements when first deployed, though it requires subsequent monitoring during operation to maintain reliability over the operational lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through continuous monitoring of linearity parameters during operation. By comparing measured linearity parameters against reference values obtained from factory calibration, the system detects deviations caused by aging and environmental factors, enabling proactive maintenance before complete failure occurs.
2Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of linearity parameters is implemented continuously, then failure prediction capability is improved, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential linearity parameters needed for failure prediction from the complete set of possible measurements. By focusing on specific critical parameters rather than comprehensive monitoring of all converter characteristics, the system achieves reliable failure prediction while minimizing the complexity of the monitoring apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the data converter to perform self-diagnosis by incorporating monitoring functions directly into the converter architecture. The converter monitors its own linearity parameters using integrated test signal circuits and comparison logic, reducing the need for external complex monitoring equipment and enabling autonomous failure detection.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a method of monitoring a data converter includes determining a multiplicity of time-associated linearity parameters that describe a linearity of the data converter at a multiplicity of different times, and determining a state of the data converter based on comparing at least one linearity parameter of the multiplicity of time-associated linearity parameters with a comparison parameter.