Variable-Gain ADC Classification for Low-Voltage Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) face challenges in converting low-voltage analog input signals with poor resolution and latency in determining optimal gain values, leading to delayed detection of analog input values, particularly in situations requiring real-time conversion like short-circuit scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A device with a variable gain adjuster and classification circuit that automatically sets gain values based on classification information produced directly from the analog input signal, allowing instantaneous and automatic gain programming, and concomitant storage of digital output values and binary gain codes in an output register.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a programmable gain amplifier is used to boost low voltage analog input signals, then the resolution of the ADC converter is improved, but the latency increases due to iterative gain determination processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple fixed gain values in the gain adjuster circuit before conversion. The classification circuit预先 categorizes the analog input signal into different voltage ranges, and the corresponding gain values are already prepared and stored in memory. When conversion is needed, the system only needs to retrieve the pre-determined gain value based on the classified range, rather than iteratively searching for the optimal gain. This eliminates the iterative process latency while maintaining the ability to provide appropriate gain for different signal levels, thus improving resolution without increasing latency.
2Measurement precision
If multiple iterations are performed to determine optimal gain values, then the conversion precision is improved, but the conversion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple fixed gain values that correspond to different analog input voltage ranges. The classification circuit pre-categorizes the input signal into these ranges, and the appropriate gain value is retrieved from memory based on the classification. This eliminates the need for multiple iterative conversions to determine the optimal gain, as the correct gain is already determined through the classification process. Consequently, the system achieves high conversion precision without the time penalty of iterative processes, thereby improving conversion speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the analog input voltage range into multiple discrete ranges, each associated with a specific fixed gain value. The classification circuit segments the continuous voltage range into distinct intervals, and the gain adjuster selects the appropriate gain based on which segment the input signal falls into. This segmentation approach allows the system to handle different signal levels with optimized gain values without requiring iterative processes, thus improving both conversion precision and speed by eliminating the need to search through multiple gain settings.
3Device complexity
If a fixed gain value is used for all analog input signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the resolution for low voltage signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a variable gain adjuster that can dynamically change its gain value based on the classification of the analog input signal. Instead of using a single fixed gain for all input levels, the system dynamically selects from multiple pre-defined gain values according to the voltage range of the input signal. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high resolution for low voltage signals by applying higher gain when needed, while still keeping the device relatively simple through the use of pre-stored gain values and a classification circuit rather than complex adaptive algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the gain parameter of the amplifier based on the classification of the analog input signal voltage level. The system changes the gain parameter dynamically - using higher gain values for low voltage signals to improve resolution, and lower or unity gain for higher voltage signals. This parameter adjustment is achieved through a classification circuit that determines the appropriate gain setting and a gain adjuster that applies the selected gain value, allowing the system to maintain high resolution across different signal levels without requiring overly complex circuitry.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device of analog-to-digital conversion, ADC, (200) comprises: a variable gain adjuster (230) configured to adjust a level of an analog input signal (Sin, Sin') with a variable gain; and an analog-to-digital converter (240) configured to convert the adjusted analog input signal (Sin, Sin') to a digital output signal (Sout); wherein the ADC device (200) further comprises a classification circuit (250) configured to output a corresponding classification information of the analog input signal (Sin, Sin') based on the level of the analog input signal, and wherein the variable gain adjuster (230) is configured to set a gain value of the variable gain corresponding to said classification information.