Variable-Capacitance ADC for Capacitive Adiabatic Logic Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an analog-to-digital converter capable of converting an analog input signal into a digital signal compatible with capacitive adiabatic logic circuits, which can interface with external devices such as sensors and processing circuits in other technologies, while maintaining the characteristics of capacitive adiabatic logic circuits.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an analog-to-digital converter using variable-capacitance cells with multiple cells having different threshold voltages, each cell having a control terminal receiving a voltage representative of the analog input, and coupled to a variable periodic power supply voltage and a binary output signal, allowing for the conversion of analog input voltages into binary logic signals through varying capacitance between main terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional analog-to-digital converters are used, then compatibility with external devices is achieved, but compatibility with capacitive adiabatic logic circuits is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with capacitive adiabatic logic circuitsVSAvoidconverter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the converter by using variable-capacitance cells instead of conventional fixed-capacitance components. The capacitance values are varied dynamically according to the adiabatic logic circuit requirements, enabling compatibility while maintaining a relatively simple cell-based structure that follows adiabatic logic principles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable-capacitance cells are used, then compatibility with capacitive adiabatic logic circuits is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface capability with external devicesVSAvoidcell fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The converter is segmented into multiple independent variable-capacitance cells, each handling specific bit conversion. This segmentation allows standardized cell designs to be replicated and combined, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the required interface capability with capacitive adiabatic logic circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple cells with different threshold voltages are used, then conversion accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalog-to-digital conversion accuracyVSAvoidnumber of cells and threshold voltage variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each variable-capacitance cell is designed with specific local characteristics, including tailored threshold voltages and capacitance ranges optimized for its particular conversion function. This local quality optimization enables accurate multi-bit conversion while keeping individual cell designs relatively simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution effectively converts analog input signals into digital signals compatible with capacitive adiabatic logic circuits, enabling efficient interface with external devices by utilizing variable-capacitance cells with distinct threshold voltages, ensuring accurate and reliable binary output.

Implementation Method 1

at least one variable-capacitance cell, said at least one cell comprising first and second main terminals and at least one control terminal insulated from its first and second main terminals and capable of receiving a control voltage to vary the capacitance between its first and second main terminals between a low value and a high value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVariable capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11139821B2Analog-to-digital converter for a capacitive adiabatic logic circuit

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

An analog-to-digital converter for an adiabatic logic circuit, including at least one variable-capacitance cell, the cell including first and second main terminals and at least one control terminal insulated from its first and second main terminals and capable of receiving a control voltage to vary the capacitance between its first and second main terminals between a low value and a high value, wherein: the cell has its first main terminal coupled to a node of application of a variable periodic converter power supply voltage; the cell has its second main terminal coupled to a node for supplying a binary output signal of the converter; and the cell receives on its first control terminal an analog input voltage of the converter.