Configurable Switched-Capacitor Block for Multi-Mode Analog Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) have a fixed architecture, limiting their reconfigurability and functionality, as they cannot reuse circuit elements to perform integrator, amplifier, and comparator functions, and utilize single-ended switched capacitor circuits, leading to pre-selected tradeoffs during fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A configurable switched capacitor block that includes a microprocessor, control register, and clocking logic, allowing dynamic reconfiguration to perform multiple analog functions such as amplification, comparison, integration, and modulation by alternately enabling and disabling switched capacitors with variable capacitance values, enabling the reuse of circuit elements for different functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ADC uses fixed architecture with dedicated circuit elements for integrator, amplifier, and comparator functions, then the circuit performance is stable and reliable, but the device complexity increases and reconfigurability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a configurable switched capacitor block that can be reconfigured to perform multiple analog functions including integrator, amplifier, and comparator operations. This single block replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuit elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable performance through controlled reconfiguration capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If a conventional ADC uses fixed architecture during fabrication, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability to an otherwise fixed architecture circuit. The configurable switched capacitor block can be programmed at fabrication time or later to perform different analog functions, allowing the circuit to adapt its behavior while maintaining the precision benefits of fixed architecture fabrication. This enables post-fabrication customization without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
3Device complexity
If a conventional ADC uses single-ended switched capacitor circuits, then the circuit architecture is simple, but functionality is limited and tradeoffs are pre-selected
Solution Approach 1:
The configurable switched capacitor block extends the functionality of simple single-ended switched capacitor circuits by enabling multiple operational modes (integrator, amplifier, comparator) within the same basic architecture. This maintains circuit simplicity while dramatically increasing versatility through programmable reconfiguration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable switched capacitor block includes a switched-capacitor (SC) sampling circuit, a fully differential amplifier, an SC feedback circuit, and a comparator. The SC sampling circuit is coupled to receive an input signal and to selectively generate a sampled signal to a differential input of the amplifier. The SC feedback circuit is coupled between the differential inputs and the differential outputs of the amplifier to selectively control a feedback of the amplifier. The comparator is coupled to the differential outputs of the amplifier to generate an output signal. The configurable switched capacitor block has multiple modes of operation which are selectable by programming the SC sampling circuit and the SC feedback circuit.