DC/DC Converter Transition Timing Control for ADC Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC/DC converters inject noise into Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs) during sensitive time windows, leading to errors in measurement results, and existing noise reduction methods either require external synchronization, consume excess resources, or compromise power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control circuitry is implemented to adjust the switching frequency of the DC/DC converter, ensuring transitions occur during time windows immune to noise, using a state machine and counter system to delay transitions until after the sensitive time window has elapsed, thereby reducing noise injection into ADCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the DC/DC converter operates asynchronously with the ADC, then the converter can maintain continuous operation and high productivity, but noise is injected into the ADC during sensitive time windows causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry monitors the ADC's operational phases and proactively schedules DC/DC converter transitions to occur during insensitive periods (during the ADC's acquisition phase or after conversion completes). This preliminary coordination prevents noise injection during sensitive time windows while maintaining converter productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC converter transitions from a fixed asynchronous switching mode to a dynamically adjustable switching schedule. The control circuitry modifies the switching timing based on real-time ADC phase detection, creating a flexible synchronization mechanism that adapts to ADC operational requirements without sacrificing converter efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external synchronization control is implemented to manage DC/DC converter transitions, then noise injection during ADC sensitive windows is reduced, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization control functionality is merged directly into the DC/DC converter's control circuitry. The control circuitry integrates ADC phase detection, transition scheduling, and switching control into a unified internal system, eliminating the need for external synchronization controllers and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The DC/DC converter's control circuitry autonomously monitors ADC operational phases and self-regulates its switching transitions without requiring external control signals. The converter serves itself by internally coordinating with the ADC's timing, eliminating external synchronization complexity
3Measurement precision
If transition timing is delayed until after sensitive time windows, then measurement precision is improved, but power transition efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The solution applies different timing strategies to different parts of the operating cycle. During ADC conversion phases, transitions are scheduled for insensitive periods to ensure measurement precision. During ADC acquisition phases, the converter can operate with more frequent transitions to maintain power efficiency. This local optimization of timing quality resolves the contradiction between precision and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A device is configured to control a transition timing of a switching DC/DC converter for providing power to a load device. The load device has a first operational phase that is sensitive to external noise and a second operational phase that is immune to the external noise. The device includes an input terminal coupled to an external device to receive a start signal of the first operational phase for the load device. The device also includes control circuitry configured to, responsive to the start signal, control a transition frequency of the DC/DC converter to avoid transitioning an output of the switching DC/DC converter during the first operational phase.