Time to Current Converter with Dynamic Delay Multiplication

The patent employs dynamic delay multiplication by controlling switches to replicate delay elements conditionally. The delay path is dynamically extended through switch-controlled capacitor connections, allowing the same physical circuit to provide different effective delay ranges based on switch states, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and timing range adaptability.

The patent implements nested delay structures where delay elements are arranged in hierarchical levels. Each level contains delay elements that can be selectively activated, creating a nested configuration where smaller delay units are contained within larger delay paths. This nesting allows fine-grained measurement resolution at lower levels while providing extended timing range through cumulative delays at higher levels.

The patent uses dynamic switching to activate different delay paths only when needed for measurement. During normal operation, switches remain in a default state, and during measurement mode, switches reconfigure the circuit to create extended delay paths. This dynamic approach allows high-precision delay measurement capability without permanently occupying the chip area required for multiple parallel delay elements.

The patent divides the delay measurement function into segmented, reusable delay elements that can be selectively activated. Instead of implementing a single large delay circuit, the patent creates multiple smaller delay segments that can be combined through switching. This segmentation reduces the area occupied by any single delay element while maintaining the capability for high-precision measurement through selective activation of segments.

The patent implements self-calibration through symmetric circuit design where matching delay elements automatically compensate for process variations. The circuit structure includes paired delay paths with identical topology and component types, ensuring that systematic errors cancel out during differential measurement. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external calibration equipment and complex manual calibration procedures while maintaining high measurement accuracy.

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the output current is compared against reference levels and used to adjust measurement parameters. The converter provides feedback about the measured delay to control logic that can compensate for non-ideal behaviors. This feedback loop simplifies calibration by allowing the system to automatically correct for minor variations without requiring precise manual adjustment of each component.