Shared Oscillator-Counter Circuitry for Compact Distance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measuring devices for autonomous driving require separate circuits for ADC and TDC, leading to increased circuit size and power consumption due to the need for dedicated oscillators and counters for each function.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor circuitry that integrates an oscillator and counter, allowing the same components to function as both an ADC and TDC, reducing the need for duplicate circuitry and thereby minimizing circuit size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate circuits are used for ADC and TDC, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ADC and TDC functions into a single integrated circuit that uses shared oscillators and counters. The oscillator output is distributed to both the ADC module and TDC module, and the counter serves both functions, thereby reducing the number of duplicate components while maintaining the precision of both conversion functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal components that serve multiple purposes: the oscillator generates clock signals for both ADC and TDC operations, and the counter is used to measure both analog-to-digital conversion results and time-of-flight measurements. This multi-functionality reduces overall circuit complexity while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If separate circuits are used for ADC and TDC, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ADC and TDC circuits into a single integrated structure where power-consuming components like oscillators and counters are shared. This eliminates duplicate power consumption from separate circuits while maintaining the precision measurement capabilities of both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal oscillator and counter components serve both ADC and TDC functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of active components and thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining high measurement precision for both functions.
3Measurement precision
If separate circuits are used for ADC and TDC, then measurement precision is improved, but area of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates ADC and TDC functions into a single compact circuit block on the same chip. By sharing common components such as the oscillator and counter, the physical area required for mounting both functions is significantly reduced compared to having separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal components designed in the patent perform multiple functions within a single circuit footprint. The oscillator provides clock signals for both ADC and TDC, and the counter handles both conversion and timing measurements, thereby minimizing the total mounting area while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor circuitry includes an oscillator configured to output an oscillation signal whose frequency depends on a first input signal, a counter configured to count a number of cycles of the oscillation signal, first circuitry configured to output a first digital signal based on a first number of cycles counted by the counter within one of a clock cycle of a clock signal, wherein the first input signal is digitally converted into the first digital signal, and a second circuitry configured to output a second digital signal based on a second number of cycles counted by the counter in a period from a reference timing of the clock signal to an input timing of a second input signal within the one of the clock cycle of the clock signal, wherein the period is digitally converted into the second digital signal.