SAR ADC Error Correction for Dead Voltage and Burr Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

SAR ADCs suffer from errors due to dead voltage and burr interference in asynchronous logic, leading to incorrect output and reduced speed, particularly in high-speed converters.

Innovation Solution

Implement a time decision module to detect comparator completion within a specified time and a data comparator to check for errors in the latch output, using digital processing to correct errors without affecting conversion speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If asynchronous logic is used to improve conversion speed, then productivity is improved, but errors occur due to dead voltage and burr interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion speedVSAvoidoutput accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing error detection and correction before the comparator output is finalized. The time decision module pre-judges whether the comparator has completed comparison within the specified time, and the data comparator pre-detects burr interference conditions. This allows errors to be identified and corrected in advance, preventing incorrect outputs while maintaining the high-speed asynchronous conversion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the time decision module monitors comparator completion status and feeds back control signals to prevent incorrect conversions. The data comparator also provides feedback by detecting latch output errors and triggering correction logic. These feedback loops ensure that asynchronous operation does not compromise output accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If error detection and correction circuits are added to improve reliability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the error correction function into distinct modular components: a time decision module that monitors comparison completion, a data comparator that detects latch output errors, and correction logic units. This segmentation allows each module to perform a specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable while achieving high output accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing error detection and correction only at critical points in the conversion process - specifically at the comparator output stage and latch output stage. Rather than applying complex correction throughout the entire system, the solution focuses error handling resources where they are most needed, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260005698A1Successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter and error correction method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 CHENGDU SINO MICROELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • US20260005698A1 patent drawing
  • US20260005698A1 patent drawing
  • US20260005698A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An error correction method for a successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter and a successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) are disclosed, which relate to integrated circuit technology. The successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter error correction method includes the following steps: a. detecting whether a comparator completes a data comparison within a specified time; if so, performing step b; if not, performing step c; b. after the comparator outputs data, starting a next data comparison cycle, and returning to step a; and c. interrupting the conversion, waiting for a signal to start a next conversion, starting the next data comparison cycle, and returning to step a. The method and SAR ADC can effectively prevent problems relating to (1) slow comparator speed caused by dead voltage and (2) burr interference.