Programmable Transimpedance Amplifier for In-Situ RC Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transimpedance amplifiers face issues with parameter variations due to external and internal factors, leading to erroneous operations, and require external adjustment components for resistance and capacitance adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An integrated electronic circuit with adjustable bias current, resistive, and capacitive components, allowing in-situ modifications without dismounting, and a digital adjustment control to set resistance, capacitance, and bias current values for optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external adjustment components are used to modify resistance and capacitance values, then parameter adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the adjustment capability directly into the electronic circuit by making the resistive and capacitive components programmable through digital control signals. This merging of adjustment functionality into the circuit itself eliminates the need for external adjustment components, thereby maintaining parameter adaptability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as potentiometers or external variable components) with digital control systems. By using digital control signals to programmatically adjust resistance and capacitance values, the system achieves parameter adaptability without mechanical parts, reducing complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If fixed parameter values are used in the circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to parameter variations from temperature and ageing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment by making the resistive and capacitive components programmable. This allows the circuit to adapt its parameters in real-time based on operating conditions, compensating for variations due to temperature and ageing. The dynamic nature of the parameters ensures operational stability without requiring overly complex compensation circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly addresses parameter variations by enabling digital control over resistance and capacitance values. Through digital control signals, the system can modify these parameters to compensate for drift caused by environmental factors and ageing, thereby maintaining reliability without adding complex hardware compensation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If integrated electronic circuit is used, then device size is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidparameter adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical adjustment mechanisms with digital control interfaces. By using digital control signals to adjust resistance and capacitance values, the system maintains parameter adjustability in a compact integrated form factor. This digital substitution enables easy programming and adjustment without requiring physical access to or manipulation of circuit components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the integrated circuit universally adjustable by implementing digital control over multiple parameters (resistance and capacitance). This multi-functionality allows a single integrated device to adapt to various operating conditions and applications, maintaining ease of operation through programmable control while preserving the size benefits of integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260081574A1Programmable transimpedance amplifier

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 EASII IC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a conversion device, or commonly called transimpedance amplifier, able to convert an input electric current (Id) from a current source such as a photonic sensor (D) into an output voltage (Vo) and comprising an integrated electronic circuit comprising, inter alia, a resistive component (Rf) of adjustable value and a capacitive component (Cf) of adjustable value. The invention also relates to a method for determining the values of the resistive component and of the capacitive component.