Tracking ADC Multiplexing for Accurate Multi-Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) require significant chip area when multiple analog signals need to be converted, and multiplexing input signals can lead to insufficient processing time for each signal, resulting in incorrect digital outputs, especially when signals have different amplitudes. Additionally, comparator offsets can be difficult to compensate for.
Innovation Solution
A tracking ADC arrangement using a single comparator and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with multiplexers and demultiplexers to alternately process multiple analog input signals in a quasi-parallel manner, allowing separate tracking algorithm channels to accurately convert signals with reduced chip area and instantaneous switching between signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate tracking ADCs are provided to convert multiple analog signals, then each signal can be accurately tracked, but the chip area consumed increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tracking ADC functions into a single physical ADC by implementing a multiplexer that switches between multiple analog input signals. This allows one ADC to sequentially process multiple signals, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate ADCs, thereby significantly reducing chip area while maintaining tracking accuracy for each signal
Solution Approach 2:
The ADC is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple analog input signals through time-division multiplexing. The single ADC structure serves multiple purposes by sequentially converting different input signals, making the system more area-efficient while preserving the tracking capability for each individual signal
2Area of stationary object
If input signals are multiplexed into a single tracking ADC, then chip area is reduced, but the processing time assigned to each signal becomes insufficient leading to incorrect digital output signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple input signals using a multiplexer controlled by a signal generator. The switching timing and duration are dynamically adjusted to ensure each signal receives sufficient processing time for accurate tracking, while the system adapts to different signal characteristics and conversion rates, preventing incorrect digital outputs despite time-sharing the ADC
3Adaptability or versatility
If a comparator arrangement is implemented together with tracking ADCs for zero crossing detection, then additional functionality is provided, but considerable chip area is needed and inherent offsets cannot always be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the comparator functionality with the tracking ADC structure, allowing the same hardware resources to serve dual purposes. The comparator can be integrated into the ADC architecture, enabling zero crossing detection and offset compensation functions without requiring separate dedicated comparator circuits, thus reducing overall chip area while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations relating to analog-to-digital converters are provided. A comparator of such a circuit is used for converting different analog input signals, while analog-to-digital conversion circuitry for these conversions is implemented at least partially separately. In other implementations, a comparator is used both for analog-to-digital conversion and for comparing an input signal to a constant or non-constant value.