Parallel ADC Sampling Architecture Without Rate-Matching Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional time-interleaved analog-to-digital converters are complex and difficult to design due to the requirement of matching sample rates between samplers and analog-to-digital converters, limiting component selection and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An analog-to-digital converter system with a sampler generating multiple output signals at a predetermined output sample rate and phase shift, and analog-to-digital converters operating at a higher converter sample rate than the output sample rate, allowing for flexible component selection and use of a signal processor for rate modification and phase adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional time-interleaved A/D-converters are used to achieve high sampling rates, then the sample rate is improved, but the device complexity increases and design becomes difficult due to matching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sampling function from the conversion function. The sampler is divided into multiple parallel sampling channels that operate independently at a lower rate, while the analog-to-digital converters process these channels separately. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex synchronization and matching between sampler and converter stages, reducing design complexity while maintaining high overall sampling rates through parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional sequential processing approach to a multi-dimensional parallel processing architecture. Multiple sampling channels operate simultaneously in parallel, each handling a portion of the high-frequency signal. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve high sampling rates without requiring complex matching between stages, as each parallel channel operates independently at its own optimized rate.
2Speed
If traditional time-interleaved A/D-converters are used to achieve high sampling rates, then the sample rate is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to matching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent parallel sampling channels, each channel can be measured and characterized separately without affecting others. This eliminates the complex inter-channel matching measurements required in traditional time-interleaved systems, significantly reducing the difficulty of detection and measurement while maintaining high sampling performance.
3Speed
If component matching is required for traditional time-interleaved A/D-converters, then sample rate performance is achieved, but adaptability and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel sampling channel architecture creates universal, independent modules that can be configured in different numbers and combinations to achieve various sampling rates. Each channel is a self-contained unit that can be adapted to different applications by simply changing the number of active channels or their configuration, providing versatility without requiring custom-matched component sets for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the number of active parallel sampling channels based on application requirements. Channels can be enabled or disabled independently, allowing the same hardware platform to adapt to different sampling rate requirements and application scenarios, greatly enhancing versatility while maintaining optimal performance in each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an analog-to-digital converter system comprising a sampler configured to sample an input signal and provide at least two output signals with a predetermined output sample rate, and an analog-to-digital converter for each one of the output signals and configured to convert the respective output signal into a digital signal with a predetermined converter sample rate, wherein the converter sample rate is higher than the output sample rate. Further, the present disclosure provides a respective method.