Multi-Mode Comparator Circuit for Bandwidth and Power Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated test systems for electronic devices are often large, power-consuming, and costly, lacking the ability to efficiently switch between high-speed and low-power testing modes while maintaining high fidelity and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode comparator system with a gain stage that maintains constant gain in both high and low-speed applications, and an output stage that adjusts power consumption based on operating mode, using an input switching stage coupled with an adjustable impedance device to influence bandwidth and provide a drive signal through a buffer circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional automated test system is used, then high fidelity and accuracy are maintained, but power consumption is high and system size is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The comparator circuit dynamically switches between high-speed mode and low-power mode based on testing requirements. The circuit structure allows dynamic adjustment of operating parameters including bandwidth and power consumption, enabling the system to adapt its performance characteristics to match the specific testing needs rather than operating at fixed high-performance settings continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key operating parameters of the comparator circuit including gain bandwidth product, power consumption, and switching speed. By adjusting these parameters based on whether high-speed or low-power mode is required, the system achieves accurate measurements only when high performance is needed, while consuming less power during routine or less demanding tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If high-speed testing mode is used, then bandwidth is increased, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The comparator circuit dynamically switches between high-speed mode and low-power mode based on testing requirements. The circuit structure allows dynamic adjustment of operating parameters including bandwidth and power consumption, enabling the system to adapt its performance characteristics to match the specific testing needs rather than operating at fixed high-performance settings continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key operating parameters of the comparator circuit including gain bandwidth product, power consumption, and switching speed. By adjusting these parameters based on whether high-speed or low-power mode is required, the system achieves accurate measurements only when high performance is needed, while consuming less power during routine or less demanding tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single comparator output is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different testing modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomparator structureVSAvoidoperating mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The comparator circuit is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both high-speed mode and low-power mode using a single unified structure. The same comparator outputs serve both testing modes, eliminating the need for separate comparator circuits for each mode. This universal design achieves adaptability to different testing requirements while maintaining relatively simple device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12191864B2Comparator with configurable operating modes

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 ANALOG DEVICES INC

AI summary

A multiple operating-mode comparator system can be useful for high bandwidth and low power automated testing. The system can include a gain stage configured to drive a high impedance input of a comparator output stage, wherein the gain stage includes a differential switching stage coupled to an adjustable impedance circuit, and an impedance magnitude characteristic of the adjustable impedance circuit corresponds to a bandwidth characteristic of the gain stage. The comparator output stage can include a buffer circuit coupled to a low impedance comparator output node. The buffer circuit can provide a reference voltage for a switched output signal at the output node in a higher speed mode, and the buffer circuit can provide the switched output signal at the output node in a lower power mode.