Pipeline ADC Comparator Sharing Across MDAC Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pipeline analog-to-digital converters, comparators often idle due to the longer operation time of multiplying digital-to-analog converters (MDACs), leading to inefficiencies in power usage and circuit area utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing switch modules that allow sharing of a comparator between stages by alternating its usage in different clock cycles, enabling efficient switching and utilization of the comparator during idle periods of MDAC operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each subsequent stage has its own comparator, then the comparator can perform comparison operations independently, but the comparator idles for significant time due to MDAC operation duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the comparator resources from multiple subsequent stages into a shared comparator. The first and second subsequent stages share a common comparator through switch modules that route inputs and outputs appropriately. This consolidation eliminates redundant comparators and their associated idle time while maintaining the necessary comparison functionality across stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared comparator is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different subsequent stages at different times. Through the switch modules, the same comparator unit handles comparison operations for both the first and second subsequent stages, making it a universal component that replaces stage-specific comparators.
2Area of stationary object
If comparators are shared between stages, then circuit area is reduced, but switching control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching control is segmented into distinct switch modules, each handling specific routing functions. The first switch module manages input routing to the comparator, while the second switch module manages output routing from the comparator. This segmentation of switching functions makes the control logic more manageable and modular despite the increased overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Switch modules are introduced as intermediary components that mediate between the subsequent stages and the shared comparator. These intermediaries handle the complexity of routing and timing by providing standardized interfaces, isolating the comparator from direct stage connections and simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Measurement precision
If comparators wait for MDAC completion before next operation, then comparison accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases due to idle comparators
Solution Approach 1:
The shared comparator maintains continuous useful action by immediately transitioning from serving one subsequent stage to another. Instead of idling after completing a comparison, the comparator is rapidly reassigned to the next stage through the switch modules, ensuring that the comparator is always performing useful comparison operations and eliminating wasteful idle power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline analog-to-digital converter including: a first conversion module, a second conversion module, at least a comparator, a first switch module and a second switch module. The first conversion module includes a first storage unit and a first multiplying digital-to-analog converter (MDAC). An input end of the second conversion module is coupled in series with an output end of the first conversion module. The second conversion module includes a second storage unit and a second MDAC. The first switch module is utilized for coupling the input end of the first conversion module or the second conversion module to an input end of the comparator; and the second switch module is utilized for coupling an output end of the comparator to the first or the second storage unit.