Programmable Delta-Sigma ADC Tuning for Dynamic Register Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current programmable sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) lack the flexibility to dynamically adjust register settings during operation, limiting their ability to adapt to various applications and compensate for component variations, requiring elaborate pre-computed settings and complex software for configuration.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a component calculator that computes component values from application and process parameters, using polynomial functions to generate digital control signals for programmable ADCs, allowing continuous adjustment of bandwidth and center frequency, and a mapping module to translate these values into register settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-computed settings and complex software are used for configuration, then the ADC can be programmed for specific applications, but the flexibility to dynamically adjust register settings during operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC incorporates an on-chip component calculator that automatically computes optimal component values from application parameters during operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external complex software to pre-compute settings, enabling dynamic adjustment of register settings while reducing overall system complexity. The calculator uses polynomial functions to compute values based on bandwidth, center frequency, and process parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The component calculator pre-computes optimal component values using polynomial functions before they are needed for configuration. By having the calculator ready to compute values from application parameters whenever needed, the system eliminates the need for elaborate external software while maintaining the ability to dynamically adjust settings for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ADC is designed for high programmability with continuous bandwidth and center frequency adjustment, then adaptability to various applications is improved, but the complexity of computing and mapping component values increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex external software systems with an on-chip component calculator that uses polynomial functions for computation. This substitution of mechanical/software systems with integrated circuit-based computation reduces external complexity while maintaining continuous programmability. The polynomial-based approach provides a mathematically efficient method for computing component values across the full range of bandwidth and center frequency adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The component calculator is designed to handle multiple functions: computing component values for different bandwidth settings, center frequency adjustments, and compensating for various process parameters all through a single polynomial-based computational engine. This multi-functional design achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Extent of automation
If polynomial functions are used to compute component values from application parameters, then dynamic configuration capability is improved, but the computational complexity within the integrated circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polynomial functions that take application parameters (bandwidth, center frequency) as inputs and transform them into component values through mathematical computation. This parameter-based approach enables dynamic configuration capability while keeping the computational structure systematic and manageable through the use of standardized polynomial forms rather than complex arbitrary calculations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a component calculator (30) configured to compute at least one component value of a highly programmable analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (12) from at least one application parameter, and a mapping module (44) configured to map the component value to a corresponding register setting of the ADC based on at least one process parameter, wherein the integrated circuit produces digital control signals capable of programming the ADC. In a specific embodiment, the component calculator uses an algebraic function of a normalized representation of the application parameter to approximately evaluate at least one normalized ADC coefficient. The component value is further calculated by denormalizing the normalized ADC coefficient. In another specific embodiment, the component calculator uses an algebraic function of the application parameter to calculate the component value. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit further includes a scaling module configured to scale the component value based on scaling parameters.