Reconfigurable ADC Circuit for Multi-Mode Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices face challenges in efficiently converting analog signals to digital signals across varying communication modes, particularly due to increased circuit area and power consumption when handling different bandwidths in 2G, 3G, and 4G communication systems, leading to signal degradation and noise.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a mode controller and configurable circuit that switches between different ADC types and circuit configurations based on communication modes, utilizing high-speed ADCs for 3G/4G and low-speed, high-resolution ADCs for 2G, sharing circuit elements to reduce area and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If different ADC types are used for different communication modes, then signal conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a configurable circuit that dynamically changes its configuration based on communication mode. The circuit can be reconfigured between different ADC types (first type ADC for 3G/4G high-speed mode, second type ADC for 2G high-resolution mode) through control signals from the mode controller, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics to match the required communication mode rather than being fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The configurable circuit serves multiple functions by supporting different ADC types within a single circuit structure. The same physical circuit can operate as a high-speed ADC for 3G/4G modes or as a high-resolution ADC for 2G modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated ADC circuits for each communication mode and reducing overall device complexity
2Use of energy by stationary object
If circuit configuration is changed dynamically, then power consumption is reduced, but switching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mode controller proactively determines the required communication mode and issues reconfiguration control signals to the configurable circuit in advance, before the actual mode transition occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the circuit is already configured correctly when the mode switch is needed, minimizing any potential delay and ensuring seamless operation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a semiconductor device and an operating method thereof.The semiconductor device includes a mode controller configured to output a first control signal in a first communication mode, and output a second control signal in a second communication mode which is different from the first communication mode; and a configurable circuit configured to generate a first output signal to be transmitted to a first type analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in the first communication mode, and generate a second output signal using a second type ADC in the second communication mode, wherein the configurable circuit comprises a switching circuit configured to change a circuit configuration to a first circuit configuration for generating a first output signal in the first communication mode or to a second circuit configuration for generating a second output signal in the second communication mode, depending on the first control signal or the second control signal received from the mode controller.