Signal Calculator Using Single Capacitor for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Signal calculators face accuracy issues due to errors in configuring capacitors and current sources, leading to decreased precision in signal calculation results.
Innovation Solution
A signal calculator design that includes a voltage multiplier and time copier, utilizing a single capacitor charged by both current sources, and a time divider with shared current sources, to minimize the influence of capacitance variations and improve calculation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurations (capacitor, resistance, current source) are used for signal calculation, then the signal calculator can perform voltage and time calculations, but errors in setting the values of each configuration decrease the accuracy of the calculated result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple configuration components into a single capacitor that is charged by multiple different currents sequentially. Instead of requiring separate capacitors and current sources for each calculation parameter, the system uses one capacitor charged by different current sources at different time periods, thereby reducing the number of components and eliminating errors associated with matching multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single capacitor serves multiple functions: it is charged by different current sources to represent different time parameters, and its voltage is used in multiple calculation stages. This multi-functional use of a single component eliminates the need for precise matching between multiple capacitors and current sources, thereby improving calculation accuracy while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If separate capacitors and current sources are used for each calculation parameter, then the signal calculator can independently control voltage and time, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate configurations into a single capacitor that is charged by multiple different currents. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining the ability to independently control different parameters through sequential charging operations, thereby simplifying the device structure without sacrificing operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by charging the single capacitor with different currents at different time periods. Each current source charges the capacitor during its designated time window, allowing independent control of different parameters through time-division multiplexing. This approach maintains operational independence while reducing component count.
3Measurement precision
If precise values are set for each configuration, then the signal calculation accuracy is maintained, but the difficulty of setting and adjusting the configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple precision-critical components into a single capacitor, eliminating the need for precise matching between multiple capacitors and current sources. Since only one capacitor is used, there are no capacitance ratio errors to correct, and the current sources can be adjusted independently without requiring precise coordination between multiple configurations, thereby simplifying the manufacturing and adjustment process while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a time copier that copies time information from one calculation stage to another. This copying mechanism allows the system to maintain accurate time relationships without requiring precise manual setting of multiple time-critical components. The time copier automatically replicates the time parameters, reducing the difficulty of configuration while preserving calculation accuracy.
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
The proposed design enhances signal calculation accuracy by eliminating the need for precise capacitance matching and adjusting, thereby stabilizing the signal calculation results.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor, a first comparator which generates time information according to a result of comparing a voltage charged in the first capacitor by a first current with a first voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first comparator which generates time information according to a result of comparing a voltage charged in the first capacitor by a first current with a first voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A signal calculator includes a capacitor and a variable current source. The variable current source charges the capacitor and generates a current corresponding to a predetermined voltage during a first period. A first voltage is generated using a voltage of the capacitor charged during an enable period of a first signal in the first period, and a second voltage is generated using a voltage of the capacitor charged during the first period. The variable current source further generates a current corresponding to the second voltage during a second period. A second signal is generated according to a result of comparing the first voltage with the voltage of the capacitor during the second period, and a fourth voltage is generated by generating and sampling a third voltage which is increased according to a first current during an enable period of the second signal in the second period.