Dual Conversion Gain ADC Circuit With Adaptive Bandwidth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) face challenges in optimizing current consumption and operation time for dual conversion gain operations, leading to increased power consumption and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an amplifier circuit and ADC circuits that adjust power current and bandwidth based on the conversion gain of pixel signals, optimizing current consumption and operation time for dual conversion gain operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ADC processes many signals at the same time or provides improved resolution for each signal, then signal processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the amplifier's operating state based on signal characteristics. The amplifier transitions between different conversion gain modes (first conversion gain and second conversion gain) depending on the input signal level, allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining signal processing capability. This dynamic operation enables the ADC to adapt its resource usage to actual processing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operating parameters of the amplifier including conversion gain, bandwidth, and power consumption levels. By adjusting these parameters based on the conversion gain mode (first or second conversion gain), the system achieves variable signal processing capability that matches actual requirements, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining productivity.
2Speed
If amplifier bandwidth is increased for high conversion gain operation, then signal processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier dynamically adjusts its bandwidth based on the operating mode. In the first conversion gain mode, the amplifier operates with a first bandwidth, and in the second conversion gain mode, it operates with a second bandwidth. This dynamic bandwidth adjustment ensures that the amplifier provides sufficient processing speed when needed while consuming less power during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explicitly changes the bandwidth parameter of the amplifier according to the conversion gain mode. This parameter change allows the system to optimize the trade-off between processing speed and power consumption by matching bandwidth to actual signal processing requirements rather than maintaining maximum bandwidth continuously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual conversion gain operation is implemented, then dynamic range is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate in both first conversion gain mode and second conversion gain mode. This universal design allows a single amplifier circuit to handle a wide dynamic range of signals without requiring separate amplifiers for different gain modes, thereby improving adaptability while controlling circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier transitions dynamically between different conversion gain modes based on signal characteristics. This dynamic operation enables the single amplifier to provide dual conversion gain functionality, achieving improved dynamic range without the need for multiple static amplifier circuits, thus managing complexity effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an amplifier circuit including a first input terminal that receives a ramp signal, a second input terminal that receives a pixel signal, an output terminal that outputs an output signal, wherein the output signal is based on comparing the pixel signal and the ramp signal, a capacitor that is electrically connected between the output terminal and a ground terminal, a switch that is electrically connected with the capacitor, and a current source that outputs a power current. The pixel signal corresponds to a first conversion gain or a second conversion gain, and a value of the second conversion gain is higher than a value of the first conversion gain, and a bandwidth of the amplifier circuit is adjusted depending on whether the pixel signal corresponds to the first conversion gain or the second conversion gain.