Multi-ADC Residual Amplification for Higher Bit Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing higher resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is challenging due to increased developmental costs, power consumption, and area requirements, especially when noise constraints are a limiting factor.
Innovation Solution
A conversion circuit comprising a first ADC, an amplifier stage, and a second ADC, where the first ADC generates a subset of digital bits from MSB to bit k, and the second ADC converts an amplified residual voltage to generate extra digital bits, enhancing bit resolution while reducing costs and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a higher resolution ADC is used, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ADC conversion process is segmented into two stages: a first ADC handles the most significant bits (MSB to bit k), while a second ADC handles the less significant bits (bit k-1 to LSB). This segmentation allows each ADC to operate at lower resolution individually, reducing power consumption while achieving high overall resolution when results are combined.
Solution Approach 2:
An amplifier stage is introduced as an intermediary between the first ADC and the second ADC. The amplifier amplifies the residual voltage from the first ADC, enabling the second ADC to effectively resolve additional bits. This intermediary allows the system to achieve higher resolution without requiring a single high-power high-resolution ADC.
2Measurement precision
If a higher resolution ADC is used, then measurement precision is improved, but area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-resolution ADC is divided into two separate lower-resolution ADCs. Each ADC occupies less area than a single high-resolution ADC would require, while their combined functionality achieves the desired high resolution through processing of MSBs and LSBs separately.
3Measurement precision
If a higher resolution ADC is used, then measurement precision is improved, but developmental cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two lower-resolution ADCs instead of one high-resolution ADC. Lower-resolution ADCs are more成熟, better understood, and less expensive to develop and manufacture. The segmentation approach leverages existing reliable components rather than developing a new high-resolution component.
Solution Approach 2:
A relatively simple amplifier stage serves as an intermediary, which is easier and less costly to implement than the complex circuitry required for a high-resolution ADC. This intermediary enables the combination of two simpler, cheaper ADCs to achieve high resolution.
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 proposed solution increases accuracy and extends bit resolution without significantly increasing developmental costs or power consumption, particularly suitable for noise-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
The amplifier stage is configured to generate an amplified residual voltage at an output of the amplifier stage
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed related to analog to digital conversions. One example provides a conversion circuit comprising a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert an analog voltage to generate a first subset of digital output bits from a most significant bit (MSB) to a bit k and a second subset of digital output bits from a bit k−1 to a least significant bit (LSB) of the first ADC. The bit k is between the MSB and the LSB. The first ADC comprises a residual output configured to output a residual voltage of the analog voltage after converting the bit k. The conversion circuit further comprises an amplifier stage connected to the residual output and configured to generate an amplified residual voltage. The conversion circuit further comprises a second ADC connected to the amplifier stage and configured to convert the amplified residual voltage to generate extra digital output bits.