Signal Generation Circuit With Alternating Capacitor Hold Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal generation circuits face challenges in maintaining signal quality due to deterioration over time.

Innovation Solution

A signal generation circuit is designed with an amplifier, electric current sources, capacitor elements, and switches to generate a signal with changing voltage, effectively suppressing signal quality deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional signal generation circuit with voltage divider resistors and switched-capacitor integrator is used, then the circuit can generate a ramp voltage, but the signal quality deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is divided into multiple independent holding sections (first holding section with first capacitor element, second holding section with second capacitor element) that operate alternately. Each holding section maintains a voltage for a specific period, and by switching between them, the circuit generates a stable ramp voltage signal over extended time without quality deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit employs periodic switching between the first and second holding sections using switches controlled by clock signals. The first holding section operates during one clock cycle while the second holds voltage during the next cycle, creating a continuous periodic action that maintains signal quality over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If voltage divider resistors and switched-capacitor integrator are used, then the circuit can operate with simple structure, but the signal stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is segmented into multiple holding sections with separate capacitor elements (first capacitor element, second capacitor element) that independently maintain voltages. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for stability while the overall structure remains manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit merges multiple holding sections with identical or similar structures into a unified signal generation system. By combining the first holding section and second holding section that operate alternately, the circuit achieves enhanced signal stability while maintaining a structured, organized design that doesn't excessively increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 circuit effectively generates a signal with improved stability and accuracy, reducing noise and maintaining high signal quality.

Implementation Method 1

a first electric current source configured to supply an electric current on the basis of an output voltage of the output section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a first capacitor element configured to hold a voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a second capacitor element configured to hold a voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

a second electric current source configured to supply an electric current on the basis of an output voltage of the output section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250035484A1Signal generation circuit and light detecting unit
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP
  • US20250035484A1 patent drawing
  • US20250035484A1 patent drawing
  • US20250035484A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A signal generation circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an amplifier including a first input section, a second input section, and an output section; a first electric current source that makes it possible to supply an electric current on the basis of an output voltage of the output section; a first capacitor element configured to hold a voltage; a first switch configured to electrically couple the first electric current source and the first capacitor element to each other; a second switch configured to electrically couple the first capacitor element and the first input section to each other; a second capacitor element configured to hold a voltage; a third switch configured to electrically couple the first electric current source and the second capacitor element to each other; and a fourth switch configured to electrically couple the second capacitor element and the first input section to each other.