TDC Power Supply Calibration Using PLL-Guided Voltage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Time to Digital Converter (TDC) devices face challenges in achieving precise power supply voltage alignment due to variations in operating conditions and physical characteristics, leading to suboptimal operating precision and increased noise, especially when multiple TDCs are used in applications like optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit module with a dynamic voltage adjustment mechanism, utilizing a Phase Locked Loop (PLL) and a successive approximation calibration method, allows for precise definition and adaptation of the power supply voltage for each TDC, independent of other TDCs, using a combination of active main and secondary power supply devices and a control unit to optimize voltage delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single nominal power supply voltage is delivered to all TDCs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to individual variations in each TDC
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a common main power supply device shared by all TDCs and individual secondary power supply devices dedicated to each TDC. This segmentation allows the main power supply to provide stable baseline voltage while secondary devices enable precise individual adjustment for each TDC, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing customized power supply voltage to each TDC through secondary power supply devices. Each TDC receives a tailored voltage level optimized for its specific characteristics, while the common main power supply maintains overall system simplicity. This localized customization achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If expensive calibration procedures are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service calibration where each TDC automatically adjusts its own power supply voltage through its dedicated secondary power supply device based on feedback from its performance characteristics. This eliminates the need for expensive external calibration procedures while achieving high measurement precision, as each device calibrates itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the performance of each TDC is monitored and used to automatically adjust its power supply voltage through the secondary power supply devices. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous optimization of measurement precision without requiring expensive manual calibration procedures, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high precision.
3Measurement precision
If power supply voltage is increased to compensate for variations, then measurement precision improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power supply adjustment where the voltage level for each TDC is continuously optimized based on actual operating conditions and performance requirements. Rather than using a fixed high voltage to compensate for variations, the system dynamically adjusts voltage to the minimum necessary level for each TDC, achieving high measurement precision while minimizing energy consumption through adaptive control.
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
This solution enables precise alignment of TDC operating speed with the periodic reference signal, improving precision and reducing noise, while dynamically adapting to varying conditions without the need for additional space-consuming components like DACs, thus enhancing the Fill-Factor and operational efficiency of sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A power supply circuit module with a dynamic voltage adjustment mechanism, utilizing a Phase Locked Loop (PLL)
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply circuit module for a TDC (Time to Digital Converter) includes a first input for receiving a control signal, a second input for receiving a power supply voltage, and an output configured to be connected to the power supply input of the TDC. An active main power supply device is configured to receive the control signal at the input and to contribute on the value of the power supply voltage resulting at an output by a voltage value lower than a first predefined percentage with respect to the nominal power supply voltage. A number N of active secondary power supply devices each are configured to contribute on the value of the power supply voltage resulting at the output by a percentage different from the remaining active secondary power supply devices.