Ratiometric ADC Voltage Measurement Using Switched Multiplexers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage measurement systems for analog-digital-converters require multiple components, including analog-digital-converters and voltage dividers, occupying significant space and resources.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for ratiometric voltage measurement using a functional providing unit, microcontroller, and multiplexers, where reference and supply voltages are applied to multiplexers on the input side, allowing measurement with a single analog-digital-converter through switching states, reducing the need for multiple converters and dividers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple analog-digital-converters and voltage dividers are used for ratiometric voltage measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple analog-digital-converters and voltage dividers into a single analog-digital-converter by using multiplexers to switch between different voltage sources (reference voltage and supply voltage) and different measurement configurations. This merging eliminates the need for separate converters and dividers while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single analog-digital-converter is made multi-functional through the multiplexer system, allowing it to perform both reference voltage measurements and supply voltage measurements by switching between different input configurations. The converter serves multiple purposes that previously required dedicated hardware for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple analog-digital-converters are used for simultaneous voltage measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but microcontroller slot occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single analog-digital-converter connected to the microcontroller, eliminating the need for multiple converter instances and their associated microcontroller slots. The multiplexer handles the switching between different measurement modes, reducing hardware footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching between different measurement configurations through the multiplexer, alternating between measuring the reference voltage and measuring the supply voltage. This time-division multiplexing approach maintains measurement reliability by sequentially acquiring both voltage values with a single converter.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for ratiometric measurement of voltages for an analog-digital-converter is disclosed. A reference voltage is provided to a microcontroller and a first supply voltage is provided to a first sensor and the microcontroller by a functional providing unit. The first sensor is connected to the microcontroller in terms of signaling by transmitting sensor signals. The microcontroller has a first multiplexer and a second multiplexer. The multiplexers output signals to the analog-digital-converter. The reference voltage and the first supply voltage are present on the input side at the first multiplexer and at the second multiplexer. In a first switching state the first supply voltage can be measured on the output side by using the reference voltage as a reference for the analog-digital-converter. In a second switching state the reference voltage can be measured by using the first supply voltage as a reference for the analog-digital-converter.