Reconfigurable Hybrid ADC for Multi-Rate Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication systems face inefficiencies due to the use of multiple dedicated ADCs, which occupy a large area, incur additional costs, and are less versatile, while high-performance ADCs result in low power efficiency for modes that do not require such performance.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable hybrid ADC architecture that includes different types of ADCs, allowing dynamic selection and configuration based on conversion rate and resolution requirements, thereby optimizing power efficiency and reducing the need for multiple dedicated IP blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated ADCs are used for different communication modes, then each ADC can be optimized for its specific mode, but the area occupied increases and the system becomes less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single ADC that can operate in multiple communication modes (10G, 5G, 2.5G, 1G Ethernet) by dynamically reconfiguring its parameters such as sampling rate, resolution, and clock frequency. This multi-functional approach allows one ADC to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated ADCs, reducing the overall area while maintaining optimized performance for each mode through software-controlled parameter adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single high-performance ADC with highest resolution and speed is used, then it can support all communication modes, but power efficiency decreases for modes that do not require such high performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the ADC parameters based on the active communication mode. The system adjusts the sampling rate, resolution, and clock frequency in real-time according to the requirements of the current mode. For example, when operating in 1G Ethernet mode, the ADC reduces its sampling rate and resolution compared to 10G mode, thereby significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate performance for the current application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters of the ADC including sampling rate, resolution (number of bits), and clock frequency depending on the communication mode. This parameter adjustment allows the ADC to match its performance characteristics to the actual requirements of each mode, avoiding the waste of energy associated with operating at maximum specifications when lower performance suffices.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated ADCs are used for different communication standards, then each standard can have optimized performance, but the number of IP blocks increases incurring additional cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ADC platform that can serve multiple communication standards through software-controlled reconfiguration. Instead of having separate IP blocks for 10G, 5G, 2.5G, and 1G Ethernet ADCs, the system uses a single ADC IP block that can be programmed to support all these standards, thereby reducing the number of IP blocks and associated costs while maintaining optimized performance for each standard.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of a first type electrically coupled by a plurality of switches to a plurality of ADCs of a second type. The plurality of switches may be configured to select, based on a rate of an analog-to-digital conversion, a quantity of ADCs of the second type, from among the plurality of ADCs of the second type, to supply the analog-to-digital conversion at the rate. The plurality of switches may be configured to selectively bypass the first ADC according to a resolution of the analog-to-digital conversion. The plurality of switches may be configured to bypass the first ADC responsive to the resolution of the conversion being below a threshold.