Paired Oscillator ADC With Selectable Resolution and Lower Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) face challenges in achieving high resolution, low power consumption, and reduced surface area while minimizing integral non-linearity and noise, particularly when using long digital delay lines.
Innovation Solution
A time-based, current-controlled paired oscillator ADC with selectable resolution, implemented using digital and analog circuitry, featuring transconductors, current-controlled oscillators, and counters to convert voltage inputs into digital codes, with calibration and accuracy adjustments, and employing odd-numbered inverting logic ring oscillators to reduce size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If long digital delay lines are used in ADC, then measurement precision is improved, but area of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/digital delay line approach with a time-based oscillation method. Instead of using long digital delay lines to achieve precise timing measurements, the invention uses current-controlled oscillators where the oscillation period is modulated by the input current. This substitution of the measurement mechanism dramatically reduces the required surface area while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for measurement from spatial delay (length of delay line) to temporal oscillation period. By controlling the oscillation frequency through input current and measuring the number of oscillations over a fixed period, the system achieves high-resolution ADC conversion without requiring physically long delay lines, thus reducing surface area.
2Measurement precision
If long digital delay lines are used in ADC, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the energy-intensive digital delay line architecture with a time-based oscillation system. The current-controlled oscillators consume significantly less power than long digital delay lines while achieving the same or better measurement precision through frequency and period modulation rather than spatial propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic oscillation to perform the ADC measurement function. Instead of continuously active digital delay lines, the system uses periodic oscillations where the input signal modulates the oscillation period. This periodic action reduces average power consumption while maintaining measurement precision through accurate period measurement.
3Measurement precision
If long digital delay lines are used in ADC, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the digital delay line measurement mechanism with a time-based oscillation measurement system. This substitution eliminates the integral non-linearity and noise problems inherent in long digital delay lines, as the oscillation-based measurement is less susceptible to these harmful effects while maintaining high measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If ADC resolution is increased, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement approach from spatial to temporal domain, using oscillation period modulation to achieve high-resolution ADC conversion. This parameter change allows for increased resolution without proportionally increasing circuit complexity, as the resolution is achieved through frequency measurement rather than through more complex spatial sampling structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables fast, efficient ADCs with reduced surface area and power usage, improved linearity, and variable resolution, addressing the limitations of traditional ADCs by utilizing paired oscillators and calibration mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The transconductor may be configured to convert the first voltage input into a first current and to convert the second voltage input into a second current
Implementation Method 2
employing odd-numbered inverting logic ring oscillators to reduce size and power consumption
Implementation Method 3
The ADC converter may include a first counter configured to count repeated traversal of the first oscillator by the first current
Data Source
AI summary
An analog to digital converter (ADC) includes voltage inputs, a transconductor configured to convert the voltage inputs into currents, current-controlled oscillators, a counter, and digital logic. The current-controlled oscillators propagate respect currents from the transconductor. The counter is configured to count repeated traversal of one or more oscillators. The digital logic is configured to, based upon results from the counter, provide a code configured to indicate a value of associated voltage input.