Pipeline A/D Converter Channel Switching for Precision at Lower Speeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline A/D converters face limitations in speed-up due to high power consumption and suffer from inter-channel errors when using multiple unit A/D converters, which degrade precision, especially when conversion frequency is lowered.
Innovation Solution
The A/D converter system selectively operates a subset of unit A/D converters based on an externally controlled signal, sharing operational amplifiers and sample/hold circuits to reduce parallel processing and minimize inter-channel errors, allowing for optimal precision at varying conversion frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple unit A/D converters are used for time-divisional parallel processing to increase conversion frequency, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inter-channel errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of active unit A/D converters based on the conversion frequency. When conversion frequency is lowered, fewer unit A/D converters are activated, which reduces inter-channel errors and improves precision. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize between speed and precision according to actual operating conditions.
2Speed
If operational amplifiers are designed for high speed to enable speed-up of conversion stages, then speed is improved, but use of energy deteriorates due to significantly increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the operational amplifiers by adjusting the number of active unit A/D converters based on conversion frequency requirements. When high conversion frequency is not required, fewer converters are activated, allowing the operational amplifiers to operate at lower speeds and thus reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate performance.
3Productivity
If multiple unit A/D converters operate in parallel to increase conversion frequency, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inter-channel errors from gain errors, offset errors, and capacitance errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active unit A/D converters based on the required conversion frequency. When conversion frequency is lowered, fewer unit A/D converters are activated, which reduces the accumulation of inter-channel errors from gain errors, offset errors, and capacitance errors, thereby improving manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An A/D converter which converts an analog input signal into a digital output signal by performing time-divisional parallel processings on the analog input signal using first and second pipeline type unit A/D converters. The A/D converter sets plural unit A/D converters performing parallel processings according to a system request, such that, when the A/D converter operates with a conversion frequency that is lower than the maximum conversion frequency, the unit A/D converter is halted by a control signal, thereby reducing inter-channel errors among the unit A/D converters to improve the precision of the A/D converter.