Signal Comparison Using Shared Circuit Path Digital Counting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional comparators for signals are affected by manufacturing or process variations in their circuit paths, leading to unreliable comparison results due to differences in the paths used for comparing two signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate digital counts proportional to signal characteristics using a single circuit path for multiple signals, allowing for accurate comparison by converting signal voltage levels to frequencies and counting rising edges within a consistent time window, thereby minimizing the impact of variations on the comparison result.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two different circuit paths are used for comparing two signals in a conventional comparator, then the comparison operation can be performed, but manufacturing or process variation in the circuit paths adversely affects the comparison result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the comparison operation into a single circuit path by sequentially processing multiple signals through the same converter and counter resources. Instead of having separate dedicated paths for each signal pair, the system combines all comparison operations into one shared path, eliminating manufacturing variations between paths while maintaining reliable comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter and counter components are designed to be universal and multi-functional, handling multiple signals in sequence rather than being dedicated to specific signal pairs. The same converter converts multiple analog signals to digital values, and the same counter counts all intermediate signals, making the circuit path universally applicable to any signal comparison task.
2Reliability
If multiple signals are converted and counted using the same circuit path, then manufacturing variations are minimized, but the conversion and counting process must be performed sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by using a counter that counts intermediate signals during a defined time window. The counter is reset and restarted for each signal comparison, creating periodic measurement cycles. This allows multiple signals to be processed sequentially through the same path while maintaining consistent timing conditions for each measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is configured to convert analog signals to digital values in advance before the counting operation begins. This preliminary conversion ensures that all signals are ready for comparison before the actual counting measurement starts, separating the conversion phase from the measurement phase and allowing optimized sequential processing.
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 ensures consistent and reliable comparison of signal characteristics across multiple signals, unaffected by manufacturing or process variations, and provides a resolution capable of distinguishing small voltage differences, such as 1 millivolt, by using a voltage-controlled oscillator to generate intermediate signals with sufficient granularity.
Implementation Method 1
generating a first intermediate signal having a first frequency such that the first frequency is proportional to a voltage level of the first signal; generating a second intermediate signal having a second frequency such that the second frequency is proportional to a voltage level of the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising receiving a first signal and a second signal; generating a first digital count corresponding to a characteristic of the first signal; subsequent to generating the first digital count, generating a second digital count corresponding to a characteristic of the second signal; and comparing the first digital count with the second digital count. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.