Multi-ADC Synchronization Control for Simultaneous Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog-to-digital (AD) conversion systems are inefficient when multiple analog signals need to be converted, as they require multiple AD converters and impose a burden on the host device for synchronous control, especially when simultaneous conversion of multiple signals is required.
Innovation Solution
The system employs at least two AD converters with an event management unit, operation control unit, and execution control unit to independently manage and synchronize AD conversions, allowing for synchronous control without relying on the host device, using synchronization instructions and ready signals to coordinate the conversion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one AD converter is assigned to two or more analog signal inputs, then device complexity is reduced, but conversion speed and productivity deteriorate due to sequential processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the AD conversion system into multiple independent AD converters (first AD converter and second AD converter), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different analog signals, thereby maintaining high conversion speed while using multiple converters instead of one shared converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple AD converters under a unified event management system where the host device can issue synchronous conversion instructions to multiple converters simultaneously. This merging of control functions allows the system to achieve high productivity through parallel processing while maintaining manageable device complexity through centralized event management.
2Productivity
If multiple AD converters are used for simultaneous conversion, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and control burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The event management unit is designed with universal functionality to manage both synchronous and asynchronous conversion events for multiple AD converters using a unified event signaling mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the same control structure to handle different conversion modes without increasing complexity, enabling simultaneous conversion while maintaining simple control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where AD converters signal their conversion status and readiness back to the host device and event management unit. This feedback allows the system to automatically coordinate synchronous conversions without complex control logic, as the converters themselves provide status information that enables intelligent scheduling and coordination.
3Measurement precision
If synchronous conversion is implemented with multiple AD converters, then measurement precision is improved through simultaneous sampling, but device complexity and waiting time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The event management unit and AD converters are pre-configured with event registration and readiness signaling capabilities. When a synchronous conversion event is issued, all registered converters are already prepared to respond simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential readiness checks and reducing waiting time while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An analog-to-digital conversion device according to one or more embodiments independently executes each of events instructed by a host device. Each of two or more analog-to-digital converters include an execution control unit, an event management unit that notifies of a synchronization instruction when a synchronous conversion event set up with a synchronous conversion operation is instructed as the event, and an operation control unit. When a particular one of the analog-to-digital converters receives the synchronization instruction and the execution control unit of the particular analog-to-digital converter is confirmed ready for the analog-to-digital conversion, the operation control unit in the particular analog-to-digital converter notifies the particular analog-to-digital converter is ready for the analog-to-digital conversion to the analog-to-digital converter other than the particular analog-to-digital converter, and instructs the execution control unit to execute the synchronous conversion event after a confirmation that all of the analog-to-digital converters are ready for the analog-to-digital conversion.