Parallel ADC Calibration for Offset and Gain Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication systems face challenges in achieving high data processing and exchange rates due to limitations in analog to digital converter (ADC) speed and performance, leading to issues like DC offset, gain mismatch, and skew when distributing high data rate signals into multiple sub-channels.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize out-of-phase clock signals for sampling analog signals, followed by DC offset and gain mismatch compensation, and de-skew processing to generate accurate digital representations of the analog signal across sub-channels, ensuring consistent processing and recombination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the data rate is increased to achieve higher processing speeds, then productivity is improved, but the ADC performance deteriorates due to speed limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single high-speed ADC into multiple parallel lower-speed ADCs that process different sub-channels simultaneously. Each ADC operates at a manageable speed while the combined system achieves the required high data processing rate through parallel processing of segmented signal paths.
2Productivity
If the signal is distributed onto multiple sub-channels to reduce processing rate per channel, then productivity is improved by enabling parallel processing, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to processing variations across sub-channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary calibration and compensation actions to each sub-channel before signal processing. DC offset compensation, gain mismatch correction, and skew alignment are performed in advance to ensure all sub-channels are properly synchronized and calibrated, eliminating processing variations before they affect signal integrity.
3Productivity
If multiple parallel ADCs are used to achieve high data rates, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple processing paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple parallel sub-channel processing paths into a single unified output stream through a multiplexer. The compensated and aligned sub-channels are combined in a time-interleaved manner, consolidating the complexity of multiple paths into a single integrated signal output that maintains high data conversion rates.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes converters, first modules, second modules, and a multiplexer. The converters receive an analog signal and a respective one of multiple clock signals. Each of the converters samples the analog signal based on a respective clock signal to generate a respective digital signal. Each of the clock signals is out-of-phase with other ones of the clock signals. The first modules receive the digital signals generated by the converters, remove bias offsets from the digital signals to generate first output signals, and output each of the first output signals on a multiple channels. The second modules receive the first output signals, and based on the first output signals, remove or equalize gain mismatch between the channels to generate second output signals. The multiplexer receives the second output signals, and generates an output based on the second output signals. The output is a digital representation of the analog signal.