Signal Generator Waveform Correction Without an AD Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal generating apparatuses face challenges in compensating for distortion and attenuation caused by analog circuits without using an AD converter, which increases structure size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A signal generating apparatus that includes a DA converter, a comparing section, and a measuring section to measure and correct the waveform output by an analog circuit, allowing for compensation of distortion and attenuation without an AD converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an AD converter is provided to measure transfer characteristics of the analog circuit, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a comparator as an intermediary device that compares the output signal from the analog circuit with a reference signal. This comparator acts as a mediator that enables measurement functionality without requiring a full AD converter, thus achieving measurement capability while keeping device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a digital copy or representation of the analog signal characteristics through comparison results. Instead of directly converting the analog signal to digital using an AD converter, the system creates a digital representation by comparing signal levels, achieving measurement capability through a simplified copying mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If an AD converter is provided to measure transfer characteristics of the analog circuit, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive AD converter with a much cheaper comparator circuit. The comparator is a simple, low-cost component that can perform the necessary measurement function for transfer characteristic measurement, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The comparator serves as a cost-effective intermediary that enables measurement functionality without the high cost of an AD converter. This intermediary approach achieves the necessary measurement capability at a fraction of the cost of using a full AD converter.
3Manufacturing precision
If the signal generating apparatus outputs compensated signals, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the transfer characteristics of the analog circuit in advance and uses this information to pre-compensate the output signal. By performing the measurement and compensation setup beforehand, the system achieves high signal quality without requiring complex real-time compensation mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output signal from the analog circuit is compared with the reference signal, and the comparison result is used to adjust and compensate the output. This feedback loop enables continuous signal quality improvement without requiring overly complex device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a signal generating apparatus comprising a DA converter that outputs an output signal corresponding to input data supplied thereto; a sample/hold unit that is provided between the DA converter and an output end of the signal generating apparatus, and that samples an output voltage of the DA converter and holds the sampled output voltage; a comparing section that compares (i) a level of a signal output from an analog circuit that propagates the output signal to output a signal corresponding to the input data to (ii) a level of the signal output by the DA converter; and a control section that, during a holding period, (iii) provides the DA converter with comparison data instead of the input data to cause the DA converter to output a comparison voltage corresponding to the comparison data, (iv) causes the comparing section to compare a voltage of the signal output by the analog circuit to the comparison voltage, and (v) adjusts the output voltage of the DA converter based on a comparison result of the comparing section.