Dynamic Quantizer Tail Voltage Supply for Noise and Speed Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quantizer circuits face challenges in optimizing performance across varying process, voltage, and temperature conditions, leading to increased noise, offset voltage, and power consumption, especially in high-speed serial data transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic quantizer circuit with a tail voltage supply (VTAIL) distinct from the general supply voltage, regulated by a compensation processor that adjusts based on parametric signals such as Avcc voltage, temperature, and transistor speed process (TSP), to continuously optimize RMS noise, offset, and speed performance while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single general supply voltage is used for all quantizer circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but performance optimization across varying process, voltage, and temperature conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single supply voltage system into two separate supply voltage systems: a main supply voltage (Avcc) for general quantizer circuits and a tail supply voltage (VTAIL) specifically for tail devices. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each supply voltage to address different performance requirements under varying PVT conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different supply voltage characteristics to different parts of the quantizer circuit. The VTAIL is specifically optimized for tail devices to control noise and offset voltage, while Avcc powers the main quantizer logic. This local quality approach enables targeted performance optimization without increasing overall system complexity.
2Speed
If supply voltage is increased to reduce clock-to-q timing, then speed performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the VTAIL based on operating conditions. The compensation processor monitors PVT parameters and dynamically adjusts VTAIL to optimize the trade-off between speed (clock-to-q timing) and power consumption. This allows the system to adapt supply voltage in real-time rather than using a fixed high voltage that would always consume maximum power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the supply voltage parameter (VTAIL) based on detected PVT conditions. By adjusting VTAIL according to process, voltage, and temperature variations, the system optimizes clock-to-q timing while minimizing power consumption for each specific operating condition rather than designing for worst-case scenarios.
3Use of energy by moving object
If supply voltage is decreased to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but noise performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the VTAIL parameter based on detected operating conditions and noise performance requirements. The compensation processor monitors PVT parameters and adjusts VTAIL to maintain optimal noise performance while minimizing power consumption, rather than using a fixed low voltage that would always reduce power but increase noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the compensation processor monitors PVT parameters and adjusts VTAIL accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the supply voltage is optimized to maintain low noise performance while minimizing power consumption, adapting to changing conditions in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a dynamic quantizer circuit including a tail voltage supply magnitude (VTAIL) distinct from a general supply voltage (Avcc/Avss), VTAIL providing power to a tail clock buffer to generate tail clock signals to tail devices. In an illustrative example, a compensation processor may control a regulator producing a determined VTAIL value in response to one or more parametric signals, for example, the Avcc voltage value, a circuit temperature and a transistor speed process (TSP). The TSP signal may be determined, for example, by process-dependent circuit devices. The compensation processor may be, for example, configured to lower VTAIL in response to detecting a worst-case RMS noise corner, or to raise VTAIL in response to detecting a worst-case clock-to-q corner. Various adjustable VTAILs may be configured to continuously optimize RMS noise, offset and speed performance with low power consumption in various quantizers over process, voltage and/or temperature.