Parallel Sample-and-Hold Circuit for Low-Noise High-Linearity Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sample-and-hold circuits with two track-and-hold modules connected in series suffer from switching errors, uncontrollable sampling moments, and increased noise due to cumulative noise factors, which deteriorate linearity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sample-and-hold device with two track-and-hold modules connected in parallel, where each module operates independently with controllable sampling moments, and an offset current is applied to correct the duty cycle ratio of clock signals to enhance synchronization and linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two track-and-hold modules are connected in series, then the sampling frequency is doubled, but the linearity deteriorates due to switching errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single track-and-hold module into two independent parallel modules, each handling alternating samples. This segmentation allows independent operation of each module, eliminating the cascading switching errors that occur in series configurations while maintaining doubled sampling throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of connecting modules in series (master-slave configuration), the patent inverts the architecture to parallel connection with time-interleaved operation. The modules operate simultaneously on different samples rather than sequentially, reversing the traditional approach to achieve both high sampling rate and preserved linearity.
2Productivity
If two track-and-hold modules are connected in series, then the sampling frequency is doubled, but the noise factor increases due to cumulative noise
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sampling function across two parallel independent modules, each module processes only half the total samples. This segmentation prevents the cumulative addition of noise from cascaded stages, as each module's noise contribution is independent and does not accumulate through series connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates two identical copies of the track-and-hold module operating in parallel, each with its own independent noise profile. The output signals are time-interleaved and combined, allowing the system to achieve doubled sampling rate without the noise multiplication that occurs in series configurations.
3Productivity
If two track-and-hold modules are connected in series, then the sampling frequency is doubled, but the sampling moments become linked and uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clocking control so that each parallel module receives its own independent clock signal with adjustable phase and timing. This allows independent control of sampling moments for each module, providing flexibility to optimize performance for different input signal characteristics while maintaining high sampling throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
Sample-and-hold device for an electrical signal including an input module having two inputs, including a first switching block including two input switches, each input of the input module being connected at the input of one of the input switches, the input module being connected at the input of a first track-and-hold module with two inputs and two outputs, so as to alternately convey the signal from one of the two inputs to one of the two inputs of the first track-and-hold module; the device including a second track-and-hold module connected in parallel with the first track-and-hold module, these track-and-hold modules connected at the output of the first switching block, and an output module including a second switching block including two output switches, the outputs of the first and second track-and-hold modules being connected to the inputs of the output switches, to time interleave the output signals of the track-and-hold modules.