Multiplexer-Controlled Op-Amp Output Modes for Peak Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operational amplifiers with external diodes and switches have limited common mode range and cannot dynamically control output configurations, making them inefficient for real-time tracking of maximum and minimum waveform amplitudes.
Innovation Solution
An operational amplifier with controllable output modes, utilizing differential input transistors and multiplexers to select input configurations, allowing for internal control of output transistors and eliminating the need for external diodes and switches, enabling dynamic tracking and hold functions without external logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external diodes or transistors are used to convert totem pole output to high side/low side driver, then output configuration control is achieved, but common mode range is reduced due to forward bias voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes external diodes or transistors from the circuit by integrating the output configuration control directly within the operational amplifier. The control circuit internally switches between totem pole output, high side driver, and low side driver configurations without requiring external components, thereby eliminating the forward bias voltage issue while maintaining output control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational amplifier is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple output configurations (totem pole, high side driver, low side driver) using a single integrated control circuit. This universal design eliminates the need for external components and maintains full common mode range while providing versatile output control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external switches are used to reset operational amplifier output or perform output signal blanking, then reset and blanking functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reset and output signal blanking functions with the operational amplifier's internal control circuit. The same control circuit that manages output configurations (totem pole, high side, low side driver) also performs reset and blanking operations, eliminating the need for external switches and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions including output configuration switching, reset operations, and output signal blanking. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate external components into a single integrated unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed circuit layout is selected for peak detection, then circuit implementation is simplified, but dynamic control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control capability within a fixed circuit layout by using an internal control circuit that can switch between different output configurations (totem pole, high side driver, low side driver) and modes (peak detection, blanking, reset). The circuit layout remains fixed, but the functional behavior is dynamically adjustable through internal switching.
Data Source
AI summary
An operational amplifier with totem pole connected output transistors having inputs coupled to multiplexers for selectable coupling of signals and voltage levels thereto. The high and low output transistors may be forced hard on or hard off in addition to normal coupling of signals thereto. The operation of the output transistors may be dynamically changed to pass only positive going signals, negative going signals, placed in a tristate high impedance state, hard connected to a supply voltage and/or hard connected to supply common return. A core independent peripheral (CIP) may also be coupled to the operational amplifier for dynamically changing the multiplexer inputs in real time, as can external control signals to a control circuit coupled to the multiplexers.