Switched-Capacitor Threshold Voltage Generation for Low-Power Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receiver devices in communication systems face challenges in generating a threshold voltage for comparators efficiently, particularly in ultra-low-power applications, as existing solutions require always-on clocks and non-negligible preamble times, leading to increased power consumption and incorrect data sampling.
Innovation Solution
A threshold voltage generator circuit using a sample-and-hold architecture with switched capacitors and control circuitry to rapidly and adaptively generate the threshold voltage at the beginning of signal reception, eliminating the need for always-on clocks and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing threshold voltage generation methods are used, then the threshold voltage can be generated, but always-on clocks are required and preamble times are non-negligible, leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a gated oscillator that generates clock signals periodically only when needed (during data reception), rather than continuously. The oscillator is enabled by a detect signal that activates when data is present, and disabled when no data is received, thereby eliminating the need for always-on clocks and reducing power consumption while maintaining timely threshold voltage generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a detect circuit that preliminarily detects the presence of data before the main processing occurs. This detect signal triggers the gated oscillator and threshold voltage generator in advance, ensuring that the threshold voltage is ready exactly when needed without requiring long preamble times
2Measurement precision
If existing threshold voltage generation methods are used, then the threshold voltage can be generated, but long preamble times are required, leading to incorrect data sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detect circuit continuously monitors for data presence and dynamically controls the gated oscillator. This feedback ensures that the clock signal and threshold voltage are generated at the precise moment data arrives, eliminating timing errors and ensuring correct data sampling without requiring long fixed preamble times
3Reliability
If always-on clocks are used, then continuous operation is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static always-on clock system to a dynamic gated oscillator system that adapts its operation based on data presence. The oscillator's enable/disable state dynamically changes in response to the detect signal, maintaining reliable operation when data is present while conserving power during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The detect circuit automatically detects data presence and controls the gated oscillator without external intervention. The system self-regulates its power consumption by activating clock generation only when data is detected, eliminating the need for always-on operation while maintaining reliability
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
The solution enables fast, adaptive generation of the threshold voltage within the bit time of the first received data bit, allowing correct data sampling without long preamble times and reducing power consumption, thus improving the efficiency of receiver devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor, a second capacitor... The control circuitry is configured to initially set the first switching circuitry in the first configuration in response to the first modulated signal having the second DC voltage, thereby charging the first capacitor to the second DC voltage and charging the second capacitor to the first DC voltage, and subsequently set the first switching circuitry in the second configuration in response to an edge detected in the clock signal, thereby producing the first threshold voltage at the first output node after charge redistribution taking place between the first and second capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a clock input node, a first signal input node configured to receive a first modulated signal switching between a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage, a bias circuit, a first output node, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and switching circuitry coupled to the first capacitor and the second capacitor. Control circuitry is configured to initially set the switching circuitry in a first configuration in response to the first modulated signal having the second DC voltage, thereby charging the first capacitor to the second DC voltage and charging the second capacitor to the first DC voltage, and subsequently set the switching circuitry in a second configuration in response to an edge detected in the clock signal, thereby producing the first threshold voltage at the first output node after charge redistribution taking place between the first and second capacitors.