Dual-ADC Failure Determination During Continuous Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delta-sigma ADCs continuously operating in electronic apparatuses face challenges in failure determination without stopping operations, making it difficult to assess their accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A failure determination circuit that includes a first A/D conversion circuit, a switching circuit, and a second A/D conversion circuit, allowing for continuous operation by comparing digital signals from both circuits to detect any discrepancies, enabling accurate failure determination without stopping the ADC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a delta-sigma ADC continuously converts analog signals to digital signals without stopping operation, then productivity is improved, but the ability to perform failure determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the A/D conversion function into two separate circuits: a first A/D conversion circuit that continuously converts the main analog signal, and a second A/D conversion circuit that converts a switched version of the same signal for failure determination. This segmentation allows both continuous operation and failure detection to occur simultaneously without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching circuit as an intermediary component that receives the analog signal and selectively outputs it to either the first A/D conversion circuit (for continuous conversion) or the second A/D conversion circuit (for failure determination). This intermediary enables the system to perform both functions by routing signals appropriately without stopping the main conversion operation.
2Device complexity
If a single A/D conversion circuit is used for continuous operation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for failure detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into two separate A/D conversion circuits, each optimized for its specific purpose. The first circuit handles continuous high-speed conversion of the main signal, while the second circuit is dedicated to failure determination by converting the same signal through a switching mechanism. This segmentation ensures that failure detection precision is not compromised by the continuous operation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuit periodically switches between routing the analog signal to the first A/D conversion circuit and the second A/D conversion circuit. This periodic action allows the second circuit to perform failure determination at regular intervals without requiring continuous operation, thereby maintaining measurement precision for failure detection while keeping the overall system complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A failure determination circuit includes a first A/D conversion circuit that continuously A/D converts a first analog signal based on a first physical quantity measurement signal, a switching circuit that receives a plurality of signals including a second analog signal based on the first physical quantity measurement signal and a first reference voltage and outputs the plurality of signals in a time division manner, a second A/D conversion circuit that A/D converts the output of the switching circuit, and a determination circuit, and the determination circuit determines a failure of the first A/D conversion circuit using a signal based on a first digital signal obtained by A/D converting the first analog signal by the first A/D conversion circuit and a signal based on a second digital signal obtained by A/D converting the second analog signal by the second A/D conversion circuit.