Pulsed Laser ADC Timing for Lower Dynamic Range Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern laser systems face challenges in efficiently converting analog signals into digital data with high precision and accuracy, particularly in pulsed operations, which can lead to increased complexity, energy consumption, and reduced dynamic range in analog-digital converters.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that operates the analog-digital converter during defined time periods of pulsed laser emission, blocking it during non-emission periods, and incorporating a delay period to account for settling and overshoot times, thereby reducing the dynamic range requirements and improving signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the analog-digital converter operates continuously to maintain high measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases and dynamic range requirements expand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by enabling the analog-digital converter only during specific time windows when laser pulses are emitted and signals are expected, rather than operating continuously. This synchronized periodic operation maintains measurement precision for actual signals while dramatically reducing energy consumption during idle periods when no signals are present.
2Reliability
If the analog-digital converter operates continuously to capture all signals, then signal detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to larger dynamic range requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The converter is activated in periodic synchronization with laser pulse emission, ensuring reliable detection of all actual signals while reducing the required dynamic range. Since conversion only occurs during known signal windows, the converter handles a smaller, more manageable signal range, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting when signals will occur based on the laser pulse schedule, and pre-enables the converter only during these anticipated signal windows. This advance planning allows the converter to be optimally sized for the actual signal range rather than the full possible range, reducing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the analog-digital converter operates during all time periods to ensure no signal is missed, then measurement completeness is improved, but conversion time increases due to filter settling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The converter operates periodically only during laser pulse emission windows rather than continuously, maintaining measurement completeness for actual signals while eliminating unnecessary operation during idle periods. This reduces the effective conversion time and eliminates wasted settling time that would occur during non-signal periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips conversion operations during time periods when no laser pulses are emitted and no signals are expected. By rushing through or skipping these idle periods without activating the converter, the system maintains complete measurement coverage for actual signals while minimizing total conversion and settling time.
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 approach reduces the complexity and energy consumption of analog-digital converters, enhances signal-to-noise ratio, and maintains high resolution by optimizing converter operation to match pulsed laser emission patterns.
Implementation Method 1
operation of the laser system in a pulsed laser operation is initiated, wherein, in the pulsed laser operation, light is emitted by the laser system only during defined time periods
Implementation Method 2
the analog-digital converter converts analog signals received from a detector of the laser system into digital signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an analog-digital converter in a laser system includes (i) initiating operation of the laser system in a pulsed laser operation, wherein, in the pulsed laser operation, light is emitted by the laser system only during defined time periods, (ii) enabling the operation of the analog-digital converter of the laser system during the defined time periods of the pulsed laser operation in which light is emitted by the laser system, and (iii) blocking the operation of the analog-digital converter during time periods of the pulsed laser operation, in which no light is emitted by the laser system. A computer program, an apparatus, and a storage medium for this purpose are also disclosed.