Micro-Coded ADC Sequencer for Low-Power Autonomous Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog-to-digital conversion modules in microcontrollers require significant CPU processing power for interaction with peripherals, leading to increased power consumption and limited operation in low power modes, and hard-coded sequencers lack flexibility for process changes or improvements.
Innovation Solution
A micro-coded sequencer is used to control analog-to-digital conversion processes, allowing for independent operation and programmable sequences that can be updated, reducing CPU involvement and power consumption by executing data collection and processing independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CPU controls analog-to-digital conversion interactions with peripherals, then conversion accuracy and coordination are improved, but CPU processing power is consumed and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A micro-coded sequencer is introduced as an intermediary component between the CPU and the analog-to-digital conversion peripherals. The sequencer executes stored micro-coded instructions to automatically control the conversion process, peripheral interactions, and data handling, eliminating the need for continuous CPU intervention while maintaining accurate and coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient by implementing an autonomous sequencer that automatically manages the entire analog-to-digital conversion process without requiring CPU involvement. The sequencer independently coordinates all peripheral functions, performs conversions, and handles data processing, allowing the CPU to enter low-power modes while the conversion system operates autonomously.
2Ease of operation
If CPU controls analog-to-digital conversion, then complex interactions are managed, but CPU processing power is diverted from other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality for analog-to-digital conversion is extracted from the CPU and transferred to a dedicated micro-coded sequencer. This separation allows the CPU to focus on high-level tasks while the sequencer handles the detailed control of conversion operations, peripheral coordination, and data management independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-coded sequencer serves as an intermediary control layer that manages all interactions between the analog-to-digital conversion module and peripheral functions. It executes pre-programmed sequences of operations to coordinate multiplexers, sample-and-hold circuits, and data storage, freeing the CPU from these routine control tasks.
3Use of energy by moving object
If hard-coded sequencer is used, then CPU involvement is reduced, but process flexibility and adaptability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sequencer is designed with dynamic reconfigurability through micro-coded instructions stored in memory, allowing the conversion process to be adapted and reprogrammed as needed. Unlike fixed hard-coded sequences, the micro-coded approach enables flexible modification of conversion parameters, peripheral configurations, and processing algorithms while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-coded sequencer provides universal control capability by executing a library of micro-coded instructions that can be configured for different conversion scenarios and peripheral configurations. This single programmable unit replaces multiple hard-coded sequences, enabling the system to adapt to various applications and requirements without hardware changes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If micro-coded sequencer is used, then process flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing complex control logic directly in hardware, the system uses micro-coded instructions stored in memory that replicate the control sequence functionality. This software-based approach allows flexible process control while keeping the hardware implementation relatively simple, as the complexity is captured in programmable instructions rather than hard-wired logic.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A micro-coded sequencer controls complex conversion sequences independent of a central processing unit (CPU). Micro-coding provides for easily adding new process steps and/or updating existing process steps. Such a programmable sequencer in combination with an analog-to-digital conversion module such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or a charge time measurement unit (CTMU), and digital processing circuits may be configured to work independently of the CPU in combination with the micro-coded sequencer. Thereby providing self-sufficient operation in low power modes when the CPU and other high power modules are in a low power sleep mode. Such a peripheral can execute data collection and processing thereof, then wake the CPU only when needed, thereby saving power. Furthermore, this peripheral does not require CPU processing so that time critical applications that do require control by the CPU can operate more efficiently and with less operating overhead burden.