Multi-Stop TDC Using Ring Oscillator Tap Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time-to-digital converters (TDCs) are complex, large, and costly due to their architecture, which limits their precision and efficiency in measuring multiple time intervals simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stop TDC design that utilizes a ring oscillator with single-stop TDCs connected to its nodes, allowing each TDC to measure time intervals starting at different tap nodes, reducing delay measurements and enabling a simpler, smaller, and more precise circuit by sharing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-stop TDCs are implemented independently, then measurement capability for multiple events is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple single-stop TDCs share a common ring oscillator resource, merging the time measurement function into a single integrated circuit rather than using independent TDC modules. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to measure multiple time intervals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring oscillator serves multiple functions by providing delayed signals to multiple TDC modules through different tap nodes. This universal resource enables several measurement channels to operate concurrently, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-stop TDC measures time intervals from a common start signal, then multiple event durations are captured, but measurement precision is reduced due to accumulated delay
Solution Approach 1:
The time measurement is segmented into two parts: a coarse measurement of the common start time using the ring oscillator, and fine measurements of individual event durations using separate TDC modules. This segmentation allows each module to operate with optimized precision for its specific measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring all time intervals from a single common reference point to measuring intervals relative to different tap nodes within the ring oscillator. This dimensional change in the reference framework reduces accumulated delay and improves measurement precision for multiple events.
3Reliability
If delay measurement is performed over the entire ring oscillator cycle, then full time range is covered, but circuit size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring oscillator is divided into multiple segments with tap nodes at different positions, allowing each TDC module to measure time intervals over a reduced delay range. The segmentation maintains the full measurement capability through coordinated use of multiple modules while reducing individual circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each TDC module measures only the partial time interval corresponding to its specific tap node rather than the entire ring oscillator cycle. This partial action approach reduces the delay measurement burden on each individual module while collectively achieving complete time range coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stop time-to-digital converter (TDC, 110) includes single-stop TDCs (510) connected to output nodes of a ring oscillator (504). Other features and embodiments are also provided.