Time Amplifier Feedback Latch for High Gain With Less Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time amplifiers using CMOS integrated circuits require large capacitors for high gain, leading to inefficient use of circuit area and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A time amplifier design incorporating a pair of feedback inverters to enhance meta-stability of a SR latch, reducing the need for large capacitors by utilizing positive feedback loops and optional capacitors to increase amplification factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large capacitors are used to achieve high gain in time amplifiers, then the amplification factor is improved, but the circuit area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the SR latch by introducing feedback inverters that modify the voltage thresholds and timing characteristics. This allows the circuit to achieve higher amplification factors without proportionally increasing capacitor sizes, as the feedback mechanism enhances the effective gain through regenerative action rather than relying solely on passive capacitor values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback inverters connected to the SR latch outputs that feed back to the inputs. This positive feedback mechanism amplifies small time differences between input signals by reinforcing the latch state transitions, thereby achieving high amplification factors without requiring large capacitors to store charge for extended periods.
2Measurement precision
If large capacitors are used to achieve high gain in time amplifiers, then the amplification factor is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback inverters create a regenerative effect that amplifies the time difference signal through active reinforcement rather than passive energy storage. This allows the circuit to achieve high amplification with smaller capacitors that require less charging/discharging current, thereby reducing overall power consumption compared to conventional high-gain designs.
Solution Approach 2:
By modifying the voltage thresholds and timing parameters through feedback control, the circuit achieves higher effective gain without increasing the energy required to maintain capacitor charge, thus decoupling the relationship between amplification factor and power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If feedback inverters are added to enhance meta-stability, then the amplification factor is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism is segmented into two independent inverter pairs, each handling one differential signal path. This modular approach allows the complexity to be distributed and managed separately, making the design more systematic and easier to implement using standard CMOS inverter cells without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
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 design effectively increases the amplification factor of time differences while minimizing area and power consumption, providing a more efficient solution compared to traditional approaches.
Implementation Method 1
a time amplifier design incorporating a pair of feedback inverters to enhance meta-stability of a SR latch
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and apparatus can be used for amplifying a time interval in a variety of applications. In an embodiment, a feedback device is implemented in a time amplifier in conjunction with an output device of the time amplifier.