Integrated Oscilloscope Analog Front End for High Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analog front-end modules in oscilloscopes are constructed using discrete devices, making it difficult to achieve high bandwidth and occupying a large area.

Innovation Solution

An integrated analog front-end chip is designed, incorporating an input buffer module, a variable gain amplification module, and at least two output branches, each with an output buffer module, to reduce area occupancy and enhance bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If discrete devices are used to construct the analog front-end, then the design flexibility and ease of assembly are improved, but the occupied area increases and bandwidth is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidoccupied area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple discrete functional modules (input buffer, variable gain amplification, output buffers) into a single integrated analog front-end chip. This merging of previously separate components reduces the total occupied area while maintaining the design flexibility through modular functional blocks within the integrated circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If discrete devices are used to construct the analog front-end, then the design flexibility is improved, but the bandwidth is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidbandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of functional modules into a single chip reduces parasitic inductances and capacitances that exist in discrete connections, thereby improving signal bandwidth while maintaining design flexibility through integrated functional blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a hierarchical structure where functional modules are nested within the integrated chip architecture, with input buffers, variable gain amplification stages, and output buffers organized in a nested manner that optimizes signal flow and minimizes parasitic effects for improved bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple output branches are added, then the interleaving function and driving capability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterleaving functionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the output stage into multiple independent output branches, each with its own buffer module. This segmentation enables interleaved output functionality and improved driving capability for different channels, while the modular design keeps the complexity manageable through standardized branch structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250138053A1Analog front-end chip and oscilloscope

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD

AI summary

An analog front-end chip and an oscilloscope are provided. The analog front-end chip is integrated with an input buffer module, a variable gain amplification module, and at least two output branches. An input end of the input buffer module is configured as an input end of the analog front-end chip, and an output end of the input buffer module is electrically connected to an input end of the variable gain amplification module. An input end of each of the output branches is electrically connected to an output end of the variable gain amplification module, and an output end of each of the output branches is configured as an output end of the analog front-end chip, wherein each of the output branches includes an output buffer module.