Self-Powered ADC Circuit for Low-Noise Sensor DSP Supply

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integrated circuits face challenges in efficiently supplying power to both analog and digital circuits, leading to power loss and increased area due to voltage conversion in power management integrated circuits (PMICs), particularly in high-sensitivity sensor applications where low noise and low power consumption are crucial.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a capacitor floating scheme and multi-step switching method reduces power consumption by generating an internal power source during signal conversion, which is then used to power a digital signal processor (DSP), eliminating the need for external power supply and reducing voltage fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) is used to supply different power sizes to analog and digital circuits, then power supply flexibility is improved, but power loss due to voltage conversion and increased area due to external inductors or capacitors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply flexibilityVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power generation function into the ADC itself by using the reference voltage generation process to create an internal power source. This combines the reference generation circuitry with power generation capabilities, eliminating the need for a separate PMIC and reducing power loss through voltage conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage generation circuit in the ADC is designed to serve dual purposes: generating the reference voltage needed for ADC operation and simultaneously generating an internal power source that can power the DSP. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power supply components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) is used to supply different power sizes to analog and digital circuits, then power supply flexibility is improved, but area increases due to external inductors or capacitors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply flexibilityVSAvoidarea

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power generation function into the ADC itself by using the reference voltage generation process to create an internal power source. This combines the reference generation circuitry with power generation capabilities, eliminating the need for a separate PMIC and reducing power loss through voltage conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference voltage generation circuit in the ADC is designed to serve dual purposes: generating the reference voltage needed for ADC operation and simultaneously generating an internal power source that can power the DSP. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power supply components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If large capacitors are used in high-sensitivity ADC to reduce kT/C noise, then noise performance is improved, but power consumption of the reference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own reference voltage generation process to create power, making the high-sensitivity ADC self-powered. The internal power source is generated from the same capacitors and reference voltage circuitry that are already present for high-precision operation, eliminating the need for additional power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces power consumption, area requirements, and heat generation, enabling the use of integrated circuits in micro devices with extended lifespan and miniaturization, while maintaining low noise levels in high-sensitivity sensor applications.

Implementation Method 1

The ADC may be further configured to generate the power source by charging a power source capacitor during the process of converting the analog signal into the digital signal.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3672083B1Analog digital converter, integrated circuit, and sensor system

Publication Date: 2022.08.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A

AI summary

Provided is an integrated circuit including an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert an analog signal to a digital signal; and a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to process the digital signal, wherein the ADC generates a power source during a process for converting the analog signal into the digital signal and supplies power to the DSP through the power source.