Dual-Path ADC Circuitry for Dynamic Range With Lower Area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ADC circuits with multiple conversion paths require significant circuit area and power consumption, and may not efficiently handle varying signal amplitudes, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Innovation Solution
The ADC circuitry employs a dual-path configuration with two conversion paths that can be selectively connected to separate input nodes to process different signals or the same signal with varying amplitudes, using programmable gain amplifiers and digital gain elements to optimize performance across different signal levels, and includes a mode controller to dynamically switch between operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conversion paths are provided for high dynamic range, then the ADC circuit can handle both high and low amplitude signals, but the circuit area and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The second conversion path is designed to serve dual purposes: it can process signals from the first input node when high dynamic range is needed, or process signals from the second input node when only a single input is required. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware resources to be shared across different operating modes, reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining the capability for high dynamic range operation when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conversion paths are provided for high dynamic range, then the ADC circuit can convert both high and low amplitude signals, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different operating modes based on the requirements of the input signal. A mode selector receives a mode indication signal and configures the conversion paths accordingly: in first mode, both conversion paths are available for high dynamic range; in second mode, the second conversion path is reassigned to a different input. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that the full power of multiple conversion paths is only consumed when actually needed, reducing average power consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If a single conversion path is used, then the circuit area and power consumption are reduced, but the performance in terms of dynamic range and SNR deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second conversion path is designed with universal functionality to process inputs from either the first or second input node based on operational mode. This allows the system to maintain high measurement precision and SNR by activating the additional conversion path when processing low amplitude signals that require high dynamic range, while using the same path for other inputs when high dynamic range is not required, thus avoiding the need for permanently dedicated hardware for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to ADC circuitry. An ADC circuit (200) has first and second conversion paths (201a, 201b) for converting analogue signals to digital and is operable in first and second modes. In the first mode, the first and second conversion paths are connected to respective first and second input nodes (202a, 202b) to receive and convert full scale first and second analogue input signals (Ain1, Ain2) to separate digital outputs (Dout1, Dout2). In the second mode, the first and second conversion paths are both connected to the first input node (202a), to convert the first analogue input signal (Ain1) to respective first and second digital signals, and the first and second conversion paths are configured for processing different signal levels of the first analogue input signal. A selector (207) select the first digital signal or the second digital to be output as an output signal based on an indication of amplitude of the first analogue input signal.