Multistage Amplifier Settling With Sequential Clock Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multistage amplifiers used in analog-digital converters face slower operation speeds due to delays in each amplifier, which can lead to inaccurate detection of zero-crossing points and reduced overall performance.
Innovation Solution
A method using a multiphase clock signal to sequentially settle amplifiers by applying delayed clock signals to preset switches, ensuring that each amplifier's output is settled after passing a zero-crossing point, thereby improving operation speed and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple amplifiers are connected in cascade to achieve higher resolution and reduce mismatch effects, then the resolution and accuracy of the analog-digital converter are improved, but the overall operation speed becomes slower due to delay accumulation in each amplifier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by settling each amplifier stage before it is needed for conversion. The settling process is performed in advance during the settling phase, ensuring that each amplifier is ready to operate accurately when the conversion phase begins, thus resolving the speed-accuracy tradeoff
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the settling process into multiple phases corresponding to each amplifier stage. Each amplifier is settled independently in sequence using separate clock signals, allowing the system to manage the complexity of multiple stages without requiring all amplifiers to settle simultaneously, thereby improving overall operation speed while maintaining resolution
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple amplifiers are used to amplify the input signal through several stages, then the gain and resolution are improved, but the settling time increases due to the cumulative delay of each amplifier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by dividing the operation into distinct settling phases and conversion phases. Each amplifier stage is settled periodically in sequence during its designated settling phase, and then all stages operate during the conversion phase. This periodic structure reduces cumulative settling time while ensuring each stage achieves adequate settling accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Each amplifier stage is settled in advance during the settling phase before the conversion phase begins. This preliminary settling ensures that when the conversion occurs, all amplifiers are already settled and ready to operate, eliminating the need for extended settling time during the actual conversion operation
3Speed
If the amplifiers operate at high speed to improve overall performance, then the operation speed is improved, but the output signal may become unstable due to insufficient settling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses clock signals as a feedback mechanism to control the settling process. The clock generator produces phased clock signals that coordinate the settling and conversion operations, ensuring that each amplifier settles for the appropriate duration before the next phase begins, thereby maintaining output signal stability at high operating speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system alternates between settling phases and conversion phases in a periodic manner. During settling phases, amplifiers are allowed to stabilize their outputs; during conversion phases, the settled amplifiers operate at high speed. This periodic alternation ensures that stability is achieved before high-speed operation begins, preventing signal instability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of settling an amplifier and a multistage amplifier are provided. To settle an amplifier, a plurality of clock signals are, respectively, applied to preset switches, each of which is placed between amplifiers connected in cascade, to open the preset switches sequentially, thereby settling the amplifiers in order.