Integrating ADC Phase Switching to Cut Quantization Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensors in OLED displays face challenges in detecting slight variations in illumination due to low sensitivity, leading to increased noise and deteriorated signal-to-noise ratio, and existing solutions either increase chip size or complicate configurations to reduce quantization errors.
Innovation Solution
An analog-to-digital converter with a charging circuit, discharging circuit, and counting circuit that includes a phase changing circuit to alter the output signal phase and a random-pulse-width modulation circuit to adjust the switch's open-close time, reducing quantization errors and improving sensitivity in a simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analog-to-digital converters are used to improve measurement precision, then quantization errors occur and sensitivity deteriorates, but increasing chip size or complicating configuration is required to reduce these errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pre-charging period variable through random-pulse-width modulation. Instead of a fixed pre-charging period, the circuit dynamically adjusts the duration based on random modulation signals, which transforms the static charging process into a dynamic one. This dynamic approach reduces quantization errors without requiring complex additional circuits or increasing chip size, thereby improving sensitivity while maintaining simple configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pre-charging period duration through random-pulse-width modulation. By varying the pre-charging time randomly rather than keeping it constant, the system alters the operating parameters to minimize quantization effects. This parameter change approach allows the converter to achieve better measurement precision and sensitivity without adding device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the pre-charging period is fixed, then the circuit operation is simple, but quantization errors increase and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed pre-charging period into a dynamic variable through random-pulse-width modulation. The pre-charging duration now changes randomly according to modulation signals, which reduces quantization errors by preventing repetitive charging patterns. This dynamic approach maintains circuit operation simplicity while achieving better measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through random-pulse-width modulation of the pre-charging period. By introducing periodic random variations in the pre-charging duration, the system creates a modulated charging pattern that reduces quantization effects. This periodic modulation approach improves sensitivity without significantly complicating the circuit operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensors are installed on OLED displays to detect illumination variations, then full-screen display function is achieved, but sensitivity to detect slight illumination variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pre-charging period parameter through random-pulse-width modulation to improve illumination detection sensitivity. By varying the pre-charging duration randomly, the system optimizes the charging characteristics for detecting slight illumination variations. This parameter change enables the optical sensor to achieve better sensitivity while maintaining full-screen display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing random-pulse-width modulation in the pre-charging circuit, which dynamically adjusts charging characteristics to enhance sensitivity. This dynamic approach allows the optical sensor to detect slight illumination variations more effectively while preserving the full-screen display function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces quantization errors and enhances sensitivity of optical sensors, improving the signal-to-noise ratio without increasing chip size or complexity, thereby addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a charging circuit (2) having a capacitor (C1) that stores electric charges based on an input current (Iin)
Implementation Method 2
a discharging circuit (3) that discharges the electric charges stored in the capacitor (C1)
Data Source
AI summary
An analog-to-digital convertor of an integration type, includes: a charging circuit having a capacitor configured to store electric charges based on an input current; a discharging circuit configured to discharge the electric charges stored in the capacitor; and a counting circuit configured to count a charge-discharge count of the capacitor in a first conversion period and in a second conversion period, in order to convert a current value of the input current into a digital value, wherein the first conversion period includes a first pre-charging period and a first counting period, the second conversion period includes a second pre-charging period and a second counting period, and the analog-to-digital convertor further comprises a phase changing circuit configured to change a first phase of an output signal of the charging circuit in the first counting period to a second phase in the second counting period.