Regulated Charge Sharing Circuit for ADC Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) face challenges in achieving high accuracy and reducing circuit footprint, limiting their performance in converting analog signals to digital signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a regulated charge sharing circuit that selectively couples between a charge source and a charge load, using a comparator to detect charge imbalances and a digital logic state machine to control precise charge transfers between capacitors, thereby improving precision and accuracy while minimizing circuit area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ADC circuit architectures are used, then basic conversion function is achieved, but accuracy and circuit footprint optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference buffer function from external components and integrates it into the ADC circuit itself. The sampling capacitor serves dual purposes: as the primary sampling element and as the reference buffer, eliminating the need for separate external reference buffers and reducing overall circuit footprint while maintaining conversion accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling capacitor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the sampling capacitor for signal acquisition, serves as the reference buffer for charge reference, and functions as part of the charge sharing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and circuit area while improving conversion precision.
2Measurement precision
If charge transfer precision is improved through additional control mechanisms, then accuracy increases, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charge sharing control logic with the existing ADC conversion state machine. The same digital logic that controls the conversion process also manages the regulated charge sharing operation, eliminating the need for separate control circuits and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high charge transfer precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The implementation incorporates feedback mechanisms where the conversion state machine monitors charge transfer operations and adjusts control signals accordingly. This feedback ensures precise charge sharing while using the existing control infrastructure, avoiding additional complexity.
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 enhances the precision and accuracy of charge transfers, reduces the circuit footprint, and allows for adjustable dynamic range without the need for external analog reference buffers, improving the overall performance of the ADC.
Implementation Method 1
A charge sharing regulator selectively couples between the charge source and the charge load along a charge sharing path. The charge sharing regulator regulates transfer of a shared amount of charge from the charge source to the charge load during the charge sharing interval.
Data Source
AI summary
A charge sharing circuit includes a charge source having an accumulated first charge and a charge load having an accumulated second charge, where during a charge sharing interval the second charge is less than the first charge. A charge sharing regulator selectively couples between the charge source and the charge load along a charge sharing path. The charge sharing regulator regulates transfer of a shared amount of charge from the charge source to the charge load during the charge sharing interval.