Delay Circuit Calibration Using DAC Control and Phase Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic delay elements face challenges in reliability and resolution, particularly in maintaining a consistent relation between the set point and obtained delay value, due to factors like technological dispersions and aging, which affect the linearity and accuracy of delay generation.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit for calibrating delay generation circuits using digital-to-analog converters to control the charge current and voltage, involving a selection code for operational use and an adjustment code for calibration, with multiple test phases to determine predefined values and ensure linear delay variation, utilizing a phase comparator and digital control codes to achieve precise delay settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ramp generator circuit is used for delay generation, then the delay can be programmed, but technological dispersions and aging affect the linearity and accuracy between set point and obtained delay value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration before normal operation. A calibration phase is executed where the capacitive element is charged with a calibration current to determine calibration coefficients that compensate for technological dispersions and aging effects. These pre-determined coefficients are then used during normal delay generation to maintain accurate linearity between set point and obtained delay value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a phase comparator to compare the obtained delay with a reference delay. The difference signal generated by the phase comparator is used to adjust the digital-to-analog converter codes, creating a closed-loop system that continuously corrects for deviations and maintains accurate delay generation despite technological variations and aging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital-to-analog converters are used to control charge current and voltage for programmable delay, then delay programming is enabled, but manufacturing dispersions affect the precision of delay generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the digital control codes of the digital-to-analog converters based on calibration measurements. The calibration process determines optimal code values that compensate for manufacturing dispersions in the capacitive element and current source, allowing the system to maintain precise delay generation despite variations in physical component values.
3Measurement precision
If calibration procedures are implemented to compensate for technological variations, then delay accuracy is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the circuit to perform its own calibration using internal resources. The calibration current source, capacitive element, and phase comparator are all integrated within the delay generation circuit itself, allowing it to autonomously determine and apply calibration coefficients without requiring external calibration equipment or complex external circuitry.
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 solution enhances the reliability and resolution of electronic delay elements by compensating for manufacturing dispersions and aging effects, ensuring a reliable and linear delay generation across the desired code range, even in the presence of technological variations.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitive element of integration of a first current supplied by a first current source
Implementation Method 2
the first current source comprises a first digital-to-analog converter controlled by a first digital control code
Implementation Method 3
a comparator of a first charge voltage of said capacitive element with respect to a second voltage
Implementation Method 4
the comparison output is coupled to an input of a phase comparator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of calibrating a delay generation circuit and the corresponding circuit.