Pulse Generator Circuit With Programmable Pulse Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse generator designs face challenges in achieving high timing precision and adjustability for pulse width, particularly for short pulse durations, due to difficulties in coordinating ramp signals and reference voltages, leading to complex redesigns for different implementations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed pulse generator employs first and second reference voltage generators, a ramp generator, and logic circuitry, where the pulse width is directly proportional to the difference between resistance values, enabling easy adjustability and programmability through programmable resistance and current sources, and a linear ramp signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two ramp signals are used with a single reference voltage to trigger comparators at different times, then pulse width can be generated, but coordinating the timing of both ramp signals is difficult and requires complicated redesign for different implementations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the pulse width control function into two separate reference voltage generators, each with its own reference voltage. This segmentation allows independent control of the trigger points for the two comparators, eliminating the complexity of coordinating two ramp signals while maintaining full adjustability of pulse width through individual reference voltage adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single ramp signal with two different reference voltages is used, then pulse width can be generated, but adjusting the slope of the ramp signal provides limited range and requires complicated redesign for different implementations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the single ramp signal approach into two independent reference voltage generators, each producing a reference voltage that can be independently adjusted. This eliminates the need to redesign ramp signal components when changing pulse width range, as each reference voltage can be adjusted independently to achieve the desired pulse width range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamically adjustable reference voltages through programmable resistance and current sources. This allows the reference voltages to be changed on-the-fly without physical redesign, providing wide adjustability range and eliminating the need for complicated redesign when different pulse width ranges are required.
3Measurement precision
If two comparators with different input configurations are used to achieve high timing precision, then pulse width control is possible, but it is not easy to accurately control the comparator inputs for very short pulse widths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses programmable resistance and current sources to generate the reference voltages, allowing precise and dynamic control of the comparator input thresholds. This enables accurate control of very short pulse widths by programmatically adjusting the reference voltages to achieve the desired timing precision, making the control process straightforward and highly accurate.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for precise control of pulse width, flexibility, and ease of redesign for different implementations, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies in achieving precise and adjustable pulse generation.
Implementation Method 1
generating a first reference voltage at a first voltage level by applying a first current to a first resistor having a first resistance value
Implementation Method 2
generating a second reference voltage at a second voltage level by applying a second current to a second resistor having a second resistance value
Implementation Method 3
The ramp signal is linear within an operating range that includes the first and second voltage levels
Data Source
AI summary
A width of a voltage pulse signal is directly proportional to a difference between first and second resistances in a pulse generator. The voltage pulse signal is generated with a ramp signal, two reference voltages, and two comparators. The first reference voltage is generated with the first resistance and a first current, and the second reference voltage is generated with the second resistance and a second current. The first comparator produces a first comparator output in response to the first reference voltage and the ramp signal, and the second comparator produces a second comparator output in response to the second reference voltage and the ramp signal. A logic circuitry generates the voltage pulse signal in response to the two comparator outputs.