Split-Band Sensor Interface Circuits for ToF Timing and Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front-end circuits for Time-of-Flight (ToF) systems are inadequate in accurately processing both timing and energy signals, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and signal processing, particularly in multi-channel applications like PET scanners and lidar systems, where precise distance and energy measurements are required.
Innovation Solution
A front-end architecture that utilizes high-speed Time-to-Digital Converters (TDCs) for timing signals and low-speed Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) for energy signals, employing a split-band approach to optimize power consumption and accuracy, allowing flexible channel selection based on application-specific requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single high bandwidth channel is used to deliver both timing and amplitude information, then both timing and energy information can be obtained, but power consumption increases and very fast ADCs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into two separate channels: a high-bandwidth timing channel that processes only timing information, and a lower-bandwidth energy channel that processes amplitude information. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized independently, reducing the overall power consumption while maintaining measurement precision for both timing and energy parameters.
2Measurement precision
If a single high bandwidth channel is used to deliver both timing and amplitude information, then both timing and energy information can be obtained, but very fast ADCs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing into separate timing and energy channels, allowing the use of slower, less complex ADCs in the energy channel while maintaining high-speed processing in the timing channel. This reduces the overall device complexity and eliminates the requirement for very fast ADCs to handle both signals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtering stage that separates the timing and energy components of the signal before ADC conversion. This intermediary processing allows each ADC to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the speed requirements for the energy ADC while maintaining accurate timing measurement.
3Measurement precision
If discrete architectures and separate signal paths are used to separately detect timing and energy, then both parameters can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing and energy signal processing into a unified front-end circuit architecture that shares common components such as amplifiers and filters. This merging approach maintains the separate detection paths for timing and energy while reducing overall device complexity through component sharing and integrated design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to electrical circuits. In a specific embodiment, a first interface circuit is coupled to a first plurality of ports for processing signals at a first frequency range, and a second interface circuit is coupled to a second plurality of ports for processing signals at a second frequency range. The first interface circuit is coupled to a timing channel circuit. The second interface circuit is coupled to an energy channel circuit. There are other embodiments as well.