Selective Sub-Network Circuits for Variation-Tolerant Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems face performance degradation due to component variations, and traditional trimming methods often introduce additional circuitry that fails to balance variations under all conditions and can introduce performance degradations of their own.
Innovation Solution
The formation of electronic networks using selective combinations of sub-networks of like kind and measure, allowing for the creation of circuits with arbitrarily small deviations from desired performance characteristics without the need for trim devices, by utilizing pools of resistors, transconductors, and capacitors in various topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional trimming circuitry is added to counter-balance component variations, then circuit performance is improved, but device complexity increases and additional performance degradations are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of component variations into a beneficial selection process. By fabricating multiple sub-networks with intentional variations and selectively choosing combinations that achieve desired performance characteristics, the patent transforms manufacturing imprecision into a design advantage, eliminating the need for additional trimming circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single network into multiple sub-networks (e.g., multiple resistor networks, capacitor networks, transconductor networks) that can be independently fabricated and then selectively combined. This segmentation allows variations in individual sub-networks to be managed and balanced through combinatorial selection, reducing the need for complex trimming mechanisms
2Reliability
If trim circuitry is added to minimize component variation impact, then performance under certain conditions is improved, but variations under other operating conditions remain unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from adjusting a single network's parameters through trimming to selecting from multiple pre-fabricated sub-networks with different parameters. By varying the combination of sub-networks (changing which specific resistors, capacitors, or transconductors are connected), the system achieves adaptability across different operating conditions without requiring complex adaptive trimming circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic selection capability where different combinations of sub-networks can be chosen based on operating conditions. The system can dynamically reconfigure which sub-networks are active, allowing performance optimization across varying temperatures, supply voltages, and operating modes without fixed trimming limitations
3Manufacturing precision
If selective combinations of sub-networks are used to achieve precise performance characteristics, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sub-networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by fabricating more sub-networks than strictly necessary (excessive action in fabrication) but selecting only the required number for final implementation (partial action in deployment). This allows achieving precise performance matching through selective combination while managing overall device complexity by not implementing all fabricated sub-networks in the final circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical networks are formed to produce an approximation of at least one desired performance characteristic, based on the recognition that fabrication variations introduce slight differences in electronic sub-networks which were intended to be identical. These fabrication differences are turned to an advantage by providing a pool of sub-networks, and then selectively connecting particular combinations of these sub-networks to implement networks that approximate the desired performance characteristics. The sub-networks are of like kind (e.g., resistors) and have a like measure.