Differential Peak Voltage Detector for Absolute Amplitude Thresholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional peak detectors are limited in detecting the peak absolute value of differential signals and cannot determine if the peak positive or peak negative value of a signal exceeds a threshold, especially when dealing with AC signals or differential signals where both lines can 'float' and have any voltage value.
Innovation Solution
A peak voltage detector and method that includes a differential amplifier and two comparators to compare the amplitude of a differential input signal to its absolute value, using a current source to charge a capacitor when the signal exceeds the output amplitude, allowing detection of peak absolute differential amplitude and its comparison to a reference voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional peak detector is used, then the peak value of a single-ended positive signal can be detected, but the peak absolute value of differential signals with floating voltages cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional single peak detector is segmented into two separate peak detectors: one for detecting positive peak values and another for detecting negative peak values. Each detector handles one polarity independently, allowing the system to accurately detect the peak absolute value of differential signals regardless of their floating voltage states.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary circuit is introduced that takes the differential input signal and prepares it for both positive and negative peak detectors. This intermediary stage ensures that both detectors receive properly conditioned signals, enabling accurate detection of peak absolute values for floating differential signals.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional peak detector is used, then the peak value of positive signals can be detected, but signals with either positive or negative peak values cannot have their peak absolute value determined
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two specialized detectors: one optimized for positive peak detection and another for negative peak detection. By segmenting the detection task, each detector can maintain high measurement precision for its specific polarity while the combined system handles both polarities versatilely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by combining two peak detectors that together can handle any signal polarity. The first detector universalizes positive peak detection while the second universalizes negative peak detection, creating a composite system that universally handles any peak absolute value detection requirement.
3Measurement precision
If the peak detector is redesigned to detect peak negative values, then negative signal detection is improved, but the ability to detect whether peak positive or peak negative exceeds a threshold is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of redesigning a single detector to handle both polarities (which would increase complexity), the system segments the detection function into two specialized detectors. Each detector maintains simple, optimized structure for its specific polarity while together they provide comprehensive threshold comparison capability for both positive and negative peaks.
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
Enables the detection of the peak absolute value of differential input signals, regardless of polarity, and determines if this peak exceeds a predetermined threshold, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional peak detectors.
Implementation Method 1
The amplifier 24 generates a differential output signal having an amplitude that is proportional to the amplitude of the differential input signal
Implementation Method 2
a first comparator that compares the amplitude of the input signal to the amplitude of the output signal, and a second comparator that compares the negative of the amplitude of the input signal to the amplitude of the output signal
Implementation Method 3
a capacitor 18 and to the inverting input of the operational amplifier 14... The capacitor 18 will then be charged until the voltage VOUT is equal to VIN
Data Source
AI summary
A peak voltage detector is used to detect the absolute value of the peak differential amplitude of a differential input signal. The peak voltage detector includes a differential amplifier receiving the differential input signal and generating a corresponding pair of differential output signals. The voltage detector also includes a capacitor on which an output signal is generated. A first differential comparator generates a first signal whenever the differential voltage from the differential amplifier is greater than the voltage of the output signal. A second differential comparator generates a second signal whenever the negative of the differential voltage from the differential amplifier is greater than the voltage of the output signal. A current source applies current to the capacitor responsive to receiving either the first or second signal. The amplitude of the feedback voltage is thus equal to the absolute value of the peak differential amplitude of the input signal.