Resistor-Ratio ADC Circuit With Built-In Reference Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices, such as memory and sensor devices, face challenges due to the large area occupied by capacitors and switches in analog-to-digital converters, leading to increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an analog-to-digital converter design that incorporates a resistive unit with a built-in reference voltage, eliminating the need for additional circuit elements like capacitors and switches by using a comparator circuit with a bias circuit to set a voltage value across a resistive unit, allowing for reduced circuit area and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional converter design with capacitors and switches is used, then conversion function is achieved, but device area increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the capacitors and switches from the converter circuit, replacing them with a resistive unit that has a built-in reference voltage. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces the device area and simplifies manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reference voltage generation function directly into the resistive unit itself, eliminating the need for separate capacitor and switch circuits. This consolidation of functions into a single resistive unit reduces component count and manufacturing complexity.
2Device complexity
If numerous capacitors and switches are used to generate reference voltage, then voltage comparison function is achieved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive unit is designed to self-generate the reference voltage through its inherent resistive properties and built-in voltage source, eliminating the need for external capacitor-switch networks. This self-service approach simplifies the circuit while maintaining precise voltage comparison capability.
3Area of stationary object
If built-in reference voltage is used in resistive unit, then converter area is reduced, but voltage stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the reference voltage, enables voltage comparison, and maintains stable operation. This multi-functional design achieves area reduction while preserving voltage stability through careful circuit architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclose apparatus, systems, and methods operating with a first circuit branch with transistors coupled in series between first and second supply nodes, and a second circuit branch with second transistors coupled in series between the first and second supply nodes. The second circuit branch may include a resistive unit coupled in series with the second transistors. The first and second circuit branches may receive analog information and to provide digital output information. The digital output information may include output values based on a relationship between a voltage across the first resistive unit and a voltage difference between first and second components of the analog input information. Other embodiments disclose additional apparatus, systems, and methods.