True Differential ADC Conversion for Single-Ended Full-Scale Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog to digital converter (ADC) circuitry struggles to accurately convert both differential and single-ended input signals without introducing errors, inefficiencies, or requiring multiple ADC types, which increases complexity and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A true differential ADC that shifts the input signal by a reference voltage and doubles its magnitude, allowing it to convert single-ended signals using the full scale of the ADC, achieved through adjustments in the ADC characteristic and capacitance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a true differential ADC is used to convert single-ended signals, then the full dynamic range of the ADC can be utilized, but the ADC characteristic must be adjusted through shifting and doubling operations which increases circuit complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal shifting and doubling functions within the existing ADC circuitry by utilizing the differential input structure. The single-ended signal is applied to one input terminal while the other terminal receives a reference voltage, effectively shifting the signal. The internal differential amplification then provides the doubling effect, allowing full utilization of the ADC dynamic range without requiring separate external circuitry for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The true differential ADC is designed to handle both differential and single-ended input signals through the same circuit structure. By configuring the input terminals appropriately (one for the single-ended signal and one for reference voltage), the ADC can perform both signal shifting and full-range conversion using its inherent differential architecture, making the circuit multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated circuits for different signal types.
2Measurement precision
If separate ADC circuits are used for differential and single-ended signals, then each signal type can be optimized, but the overall system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single true differential ADC that can process both differential and single-ended signals through its unified circuit architecture. The differential input structure allows the same ADC circuit to handle different signal types by appropriate configuration of input terminals and reference voltages, eliminating the need for separate dedicated ADC circuits while maintaining conversion accuracy for both signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The ADC circuit dynamically adapts to different input signal types (differential or single-ended) through configurable input terminal connections and reference voltage applications. The circuit can switch between operating modes depending on the input signal configuration, allowing a single circuit to perform multiple functions with optimized precision for each signal type without requiring physical duplication of the ADC structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ADC types are used to handle different input signals, then each ADC can be optimized for its specific signal type, but power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The true differential ADC is designed as a universal converter that accepts both differential and single-ended input signals through the same circuit structure. By applying reference voltages to appropriate input terminals and utilizing the differential amplification architecture, the single ADC circuit can process different signal types without requiring multiple specialized ADCs, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes analog to digital converter (ADC) circuitry configured to receive either a differential input signal or a single-ended (SE) input signal and output a digital representation of the input signal using the full-scale of the ADC output. The ADC circuitry of this disclosure includes a true differential ADC that, when receiving a SE input signal is configured to make two adjustments to the ADC characteristic. One adjustment is to shift the ADC characteristic by the reference voltage of the ADC, e.g., Varef. The second adjustment is to multiply the input signal by two, e.g., to double the input signal magnitude.