Delta-Sigma D/A Converter Output Range Control Near 0 V
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Solution Overview
Problem
ΔΣ-type D/A converters face challenges in achieving accurate output ranges without increased power consumption and complexity, particularly in industrial measurement instruments requiring outputs starting from 0 V, due to limitations in conventional ΔΣ modulators that result in aberrant states and the need for compensating circuits.
Innovation Solution
A modulator structure incorporating a ΔΣ modulator, comparator, and output controller that adjusts output values by segmenting pulse trains based on threshold values, allowing for reduced or increased output relative to input values, enabling precise control of output ranges without compromising accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a compensating circuit is added to achieve 0 V output, then the output range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the separate compensating circuit from the system by integrating its functionality directly into the ΔΣ modulator. The modulator is modified to directly output 0 V when the input is 0 V, eliminating the need for external gain adjusting circuits and voltage sources, thus simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the required output range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the compensating circuit functionality with the ΔΣ modulator structure. The modulator's internal feedback circuit is modified to incorporate the compensation mechanism, combining what were previously separate functions into a single integrated unit, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the desired 0 V output capability.
2Measurement precision
If the accuracy of the compensating circuit is increased, then the accuracy of the D/A converter is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate compensating circuit that would require high accuracy components, and instead integrates the accuracy-enhancing functionality directly into the modulator's feedback mechanism. This eliminates the need for high-precision external components while maintaining converter accuracy through the modified modulator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified ΔΣ modulator performs its own compensation function internally through its feedback circuit, eliminating the need for external compensating circuits. The modulator self-adjusts to maintain accuracy and achieve 0 V output without requiring separate high-precision compensation components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate compensating circuit is provided, then the output range is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compensating circuit functionality with the modulator, eliminating the need for separate active components such as gain adjusting circuits and voltage sources. This integration reduces the total number of active elements in the system, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the required output range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the separate compensating circuit from the system architecture, extracting its essential function and embedding it within the modulator itself. This eliminates the power consumption associated with separate compensation components while maintaining the ability to achieve 0 V output through the modified modulator's internal feedback mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed device easily and precisely satisfies a requested output range, and is provided with: a ΔΣ-modulator (12) which converts a digital input signal to a pulse signal; an input comparison device (11) which compares an input value that corresponds to the digital input signal, and a pre-set threshold value; and a thinned output control unit (14) which, when the result of the comparison by the input comparison device (11) shows that the input value is less than the threshold value, reduces the output value corresponding to the input value in accordance with the size of the difference between the input value and the threshold value, and sets the output value to 0 when the input value is 0.