Reconfigurable Time-Encoding Modulator for Low-Power Signal Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal modulators, such as sigma-delta modulators and time-encoding modulators, face challenges in achieving low power consumption while maintaining high quality signal processing, especially in applications requiring continuous 'always-on' functionality for voice commands and ultrasonic data transfer, where power efficiency and quality are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable time-encoding modulator apparatus that operates in two modes: a high-quality mode with an active filter and a low-power mode with a passive filter, enabling or disabling operational amplifiers to adjust power consumption, and using a switch network and capacitance to reconfigure the filter arrangement, allowing for efficient conversion of input signals into time-encoded signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an active filter with operational amplifiers is used in the modulator, then signal processing quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter arrangement is made reconfigurable between active and passive states through switch control. The operational amplifiers can be enabled or disabled dynamically, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption and filtering characteristics based on operating conditions such as signal activity detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the filter by switching between active and passive configurations. This alters the filtering characteristics and power consumption parameters, enabling optimization for different operational modes including low-power always-on mode and high-quality processing mode
2Speed
If the modulator operates in always-on mode for voice commands, then responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator implements periodic sampling of the input signal even in always-on mode, rather than continuous processing. The switch controller can enable periodic activation of the operational amplifiers, maintaining system responsiveness while reducing average power consumption through intermittent operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring through signal activity detection, automatically adjusting its operational state. When no significant signal activity is detected, the modulator transitions to a lower power state, and automatically activates when signal activity exceeds thresholds, providing hands-free voice command functionality
3Use of energy by moving object
If operational amplifiers are disabled for low power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but signal processing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (operational amplifiers consuming power) is selectively removed from the circuit when high performance is not needed. The switch controller disconnects the operational amplifiers during low-activity periods, eliminating their power consumption while maintaining the basic modulator functionality through the passive filter path
Solution Approach 2:
The filter arrangement serves multiple functions through its reconfigurable design. The same components (operational amplifiers, capacitors, resistors) can operate as an active filter for high-quality processing or be reconfigured as a passive filter for low-power operation, making the system versatile for different application requirements
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to time-encoding modulators (TEMs). A TEM (100) receives an input signal (SIN) and outputs a time-encoded output signal (SOUT). A filter arrangement (102) receives the input signal and also a feedback signal (SFB) from the TEM output, and generates a filtered signal (SFIL) based, at least in part, on the feedback signal. A comparator (101) receives the filtered signal and outputs a time-encoded signal (SPWM) based at least in part on the filtered signal. The time encoding modulator is operable in a first mode with the filter arrangement configured as an active filter and in a second mode with the filter arrangement configured as a passive filter. The filter arrangement may include an op-amp (103), capacitance (104) and switch network (105). In the first mode the op-amp (103) is enabled, and coupled with the capacitance (104) to provide the active filter. In the second mode the op-amp (103) is disabled and the capacitance coupled to a signal path for the feedback signal to provide a passive filter.