Gray Code Counter Distribution With Phase-Aligned Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High dynamic range image sensors face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly in counter circuits, which account for a significant portion of power consumption due to increased clock frequencies required for higher resolution, especially in low power mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Gray code counter system with error correction and phase alignment techniques, including a multi-stage counter structure with a redundant bit and clock divider with phase shift, to distribute counter signals efficiently and correct phase misalignments, thereby reducing power consumption and improving signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the clock frequency of the counter is increased to achieve higher resolution digital image signal outputs, then the time resolution of the counter is improved, but the power consumption of the counter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counter is divided into multiple independent counter circuits, each handling a portion of the counting task. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-resolution counting without requiring a single high-frequency counter, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple counter circuits are combined to work together on the same counting task. By merging the outputs of these counters through logical operations, the system achieves the functionality of a high-frequency counter while using lower-frequency individual counters that consume less power.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple counter circuits are used to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the phase alignment of counting signals becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A phase alignment circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the multiple counter circuits. This circuit receives counting signals from various counters, aligns their phases, and produces synchronized output signals, thereby managing the phase alignment complexity systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the outputs of multiple counters are continuously monitored and adjusted. Phase alignment is achieved by feeding back timing information and adjusting the counting signals accordingly, ensuring synchronized operation while maintaining low power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A counter distribution system includes an N bit counter to receive a first counting clock to generate a plurality of data bits including lower data bits on lower data bit lines and upper data bits on upper data bit lines. The upper data bits include at least one redundant bit to provide error correction for the counter distribution system. A plurality of latches is coupled to the N bit counter. Each one of the lower data bit lines and each one of the upper data bit lines is coupled to at least one of the latches. The latches are arranged into a plurality of groupings of latches. Each grouping of latches is coupled to a respective latch enable signal. Each latch in each grouping of latches is coupled to latch a respective one of the plurality of data bits in response to the respective latch enable signal.