Direct Sampling Circuit With Dynamic Resistors for Beyond-Rail Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management systems require additional hardware resources and result in increased current consumption and reduced efficiency when monitoring power supplies with operational ranges exceeding the capabilities of the data converter components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamically selectable resistors in an amplifier coupled to a data converter allows for adjustment of the input resistance, eliminating the need for voltage dividers and reducing current consumption by matching the transconductance of the programmable gain amplifier with that of the data converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional voltage divider techniques are used to monitor power supplies exceeding the data converter's operational range, then the monitoring capability is extended, but additional hardware resources are required and current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the resistance value of the input resistor based on the detected voltage level. When the input voltage exceeds the reference voltage, the resistor value is adjusted to maintain the virtual ground condition, enabling the system to adapt to different voltage ranges without additional hardware while minimizing current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static resistor configuration to a dynamic one where the resistor value can be programmably adjusted. This allows the power management system to adapt its operating parameters in real-time based on the input voltage conditions, resolving the contradiction between extended monitoring capability and current consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional voltage divider techniques are used to monitor power supplies exceeding the data converter's operational range, then the monitoring capability is extended, but hardware resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable resistor serves multiple functions: it maintains the virtual ground condition for the amplifier, enables direct sampling of voltages beyond the reference voltage, and reduces current consumption. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple fixed resistors and voltage divider circuits, reducing overall hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the resistor value programmable and adjustable, the system can handle multiple voltage ranges with a single hardware configuration, eliminating the need for additional voltage divider circuits and reducing device complexity while maintaining extended monitoring capability.
3Device complexity
If a fixed input resistor is used in the amplifier, then the circuit is simpler, but it cannot maintain consistent current supply when input voltage exceeds the reference voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically adjustable resistor that changes its value based on the input voltage conditions. This maintains the virtual ground condition at the amplifier input and ensures consistent current supply to the data converter, even when the input voltage exceeds the reference voltage, without significantly increasing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the input voltage and adjusts the resistor value accordingly to maintain the virtual ground condition. This feedback mechanism ensures that the current supply to the data converter remains consistent regardless of input voltage variations, resolving the contradiction between circuit simplicity and current supply reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices provide sampling for data converters. Methods include receiving a voltage from a voltage source, and identifying transconductance parameters and resistance parameters associated with a data converter, the transconductance parameters identifying a transconductance of the data converter. Methods also include selecting a resistor from a plurality of dynamically selectable resistors based on the resistance parameters, generating, using a programmable gain amplifier, a current based, at least in part, on the selected resistor and the received voltage, and providing the current to the data converter.