Time-Multiplexed MASH Architecture for Higher-Order Noise Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Multi-stage noise shaping (MASH) architectures consume increasing area due to the number of accumulators, limiting the use of higher order noise shaping abilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a resource-sharing architecture that uses a single adder stage sequentially with different operands and completion logic to determine when additions are complete, allowing for time multiplexing and reducing the number of adder stages, thereby saving area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional MASH architecture is used with higher order noise shaping, then noise shaping ability is improved, but area consumption increases linearly due to more accumulators
Solution Approach 1:
A single adder unit is designed to perform multiple functions by being time-multiplexed across different MASH stages. The adder serves as an accumulator for multiple stages sequentially, replacing the need for dedicated adders at each stage, thereby achieving higher noise shaping order without linear area increase
Solution Approach 2:
The adder unit operates in a periodic time-multiplexed manner, alternating between serving different MASH stages in a cyclic fashion. This periodic switching allows one adder to effectively replace multiple adders by processing inputs from different stages at different time intervals, reducing overall area while maintaining higher-order noise shaping performance
2Measurement precision
If more accumulators are added to increase MASH order, then noise shaping performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same adder unit is configured to perform accumulator functions for multiple MASH stages through time-multiplexing. Control logic directs the adder to process inputs from different stages at different times, allowing a single physical component to fulfill the role of multiple accumulators, thereby improving noise shaping performance without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple accumulator functions that would traditionally require separate physical components are merged into a single adder unit. By combining the functionality of multiple accumulators into one shared resource with appropriate control logic, the system achieves higher-order MASH performance with reduced device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for implementation of high order MASH by reuse of single stage MASH have been described.