High speed successive approximation return path and data conversion methods and circuits using the same

[0002] This application for patent is related to the following applications for patent:

[0003] Pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/919,181, filed Jul. 30, 2001 by inventor Somayajula, entitled “CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR OFFSET VOLTAGE COMPENSATION IN A CHARGE REDISTRIBUTION DIGITAL TO ANALOG CONVERTER” currently pending; and

[0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/919,411, filed Jul. 30, 2001 by inventor Somayajula, entitled “CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR LATCH METASTABILITY DETECTION AND COMPENSATION AND SYSTEMS USING THE SAME” currently pending

[0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/919,410, filed Jul. 30, 2001 by inventor Somayajula, entitled “ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERSION CIRCUITS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH GAIN SCALING SWITCHED-CAPACITOR ARRAY” granted Oct. 29, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,021 B1;

[0006] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/918,852, filed Jul. 30, 2001 by inventor Somayajula, entitled “CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR LINEARIZING CAPACITOR CALIBRATION AND SYSTEMS USING THE SAME” granted Sep. 10, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,911 B1;

[0007] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/918,616, filed Jul. 30, 2001 by inventor Somayajula, entitled “HIGH SPEED, LOW-POWER SHIFT REGISTER AND CIRCUITS AND METHODS USING THE SAME” granted Dec. 3, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,332 B1; and

[0008] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/919,02, filed Jul. 30, 2001 by inventor Somayajula, entitled “METHODS AND CIRCUITS FOR COMPENSATING FOR FINITE COMMON MODE REJECTION IN SWITCHED CAPACITOR CIRCUITS” currently pending.

[0009] The present invention relates in general to switched capacitor circuits and in particular to a high speed successive approximation return path and data conversion methods and circuits using the same

[0010] One particular technique for performing analog to digital (A/D) conversion is through successive approximation. The basic successive approximation A/D converter (ADC) includes an analog comparator and a clocked feedback loop having a successive approximation register (SAR) and a digital to analog converter (DAC).

[0011] Generally, the analog input signal voltage is sampled onto an array of weighted capacitors, during the sampling phase, the top plates of which are coupled to one comparator input. The other comparator input is coupled to a comparison voltage, which could be a fixed reference voltage in a single-ended system or the voltage at the top plates of second capacitor array in a differential system.

[0012] During the first clock cycle of the subsequent conversion phase, the bottom plate of the capacitor representing the digital most significant bit (MSB) is coupled to a reference voltage while the bottom plates of the remaining capacitors in the array are coupled to ground or a second reference voltage (ground will be assumed here). The new top plate voltage appears at the input of the comparator and is compared against the comparison voltage. The new top plate voltage is a scaled version of $\left[\frac{\mathrm{Voef}}{2}-\mathrm{ain}\right]·k$

[0013] where k is the ratio of capacitors. The sign of this quantity is the factor of interest. If the new top plate voltage is below the comparison voltage, then the MSB is “kept” by the SAR in the feedback loop by maintaining its bottom plate coupled to the reference voltage. On the other hand, if the top plate voltage is above the comparison voltage, the SAR couples and the bottom plate of the MSB capacitor to ground. The state of the MSB capacitor represents the MSB of the digital output word as a Logic 1. The bottom plate of the second MSB is then coupled to the reference voltage and the same test is performed to determine the state of the next digital code bit. The successive approximation algorithm continues by repeating this procedure for the remaining capacitors in the array such that the voltage difference at the inputs to the comparator converge to zero. At the end of this bit cycling process, the configuration of the switches coupling the bottom plates either to Vref or Gnd represents the input sample in digital form.

[0014] Successive approximation A/D converters are useful a wide range of applications, including data acquisition, test equipment, instrumentation, cellular communications, among others. Notwithstanding, in order to improve and broaden the utility of this type of A/D converter, significant challenges remain to be addressed. These challenges include improving the device speed given a set of process constraints, reducing the coding error rate, handling metastable states and calibration of the DAC.

[0015] The present inventive principles are embodied in high speed return paths for use in switched capacitor circuits including an array of capacitors and a plurality of switches for selectively coupling voltages to the capacitors. According to one such embodiment, a set of latches is provided for selectively controlling the plurality of switches during time periods partitioned into non-overlapping reset and set cycles. During the reset cycle, a selected capacitor is decoupled from a current voltage and during the set cycle, the selected capacitor is coupled to a selected reference voltage.

[0016] The present inventive concepts are also disclosed in methods for converting bits in charge redistribution analog to digital converters. According to one such method, an input signal is sampled by coupling first and second capacitors to an analog input by setting a first set of latches controlling a first set of switches during a first set cycle. A first bit is then tested during a first conversion period. The first and second capacitors are decoupled from the analog input by resetting the first set of latches controlling the first set of switches. The first capacitor is then coupled to a first reference voltage and the second capacitor to a second reference voltage by setting a second set of latches controlling a second set of switches.

[0017] Circuits and methods embodying the principles summarized above have substantial advantages over existing successive approximation return paths. Among other things, the delay introduced into the data conversion process by traditional Break-Before-Make switching logic is substantially reduced or eliminated. At the same time, contention problems which could result if two switches to the same capacitor are closed simultaneously, are advantageously avoided.

[0018] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a digital receiver suitable for describing the principles of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a high level functional block diagram of a single-chip analog to digital converter suitable for describing the present inventive concepts;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a high level functional diagram of one offset compensation circuit according to the principles of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 4A is a functional block diagram of a switched-capacitor charge redistribution ADC embodying the present principles;

[0023] FIG. 4B illustrates one pair of the capacitor arrays of FIG. 4A, in further detail;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a second charge redistribution ADC embodying the present principles;

[0025] FIG. 6A is a functional block diagram of selected switches shown in FIG. 4B along with the associated return path latches;

[0026] FIG. 6B is a timing diagram illustrating the preferred operation of the switches and latches of FIG. 6A; and

[0027] FIG. 6C is a functional block diagram of the entire preferred, return path of FIG. 2.

[0028] The principles of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the illustrated embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-6C of the drawings, in which like numbers designate like parts.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a digital receiver 100 suitable for describing the principles of the present invention. Generally, receiver 100 includes an RF input port or antenna 101 for receiving an RF signal, such as those used in telecommunications, and radio and television transmission. The desired RF signal is then extracted from the received signal by a bandpass filter 102. A low noise amplifier (LNA) 103 sets the system noise figure before the RF signal is downconverted in frequency by a mixer stage 104 operating in response to a local oscillator (LO). The output of mixer stage 104 may be passed through a second low noise amplifier (LNA) 105 before conversion into the digital domain.

[0030] In system 100, analog to digital conversion is performed using analog to digital converter (ADC) 200 discussed in detail below. Once converted into the digital domain, the received data can be processed using a digital signal processor

[0031] FIG. 2 is a high level functional block diagram of a single-chip analog to digital converter 200 suitable for describing the present inventive concepts. A/D converter 200 is based on 4 interleaved successive-approximation A/D converters (ADCs) 201, which will be discussed further below. The digitally coded samples are de-interleaved in block 202 and output through output register 203. A/D converter 200 also includes an on-chip reference voltage generator 204, clock generator 205 and clock generation circuitry 206.

[0032] Each of the ADCs 202 includes a fully differential capacitor array 206 under control of switch control circuitry 207 which implements the charge redistribution DAC discussed below. During the tracking mode, capacitor array 206 samples the input voltage at the differential analog inputs AIN+ and AIN−. During the hold mode, the sampled charge is held while the successive approximation algorithm generates the digital bits.

[0033] A gain stage 208 with minimal gain provides signal isolation in front of latch (comparator) 209. SARI return path 210 and FSM 211 feedback determine whether a bit is kept (i.e. corresponding capacitor remains coupled to the reference voltage) or not kept (i.e. the corresponding capacitor is recoupled to ground).

[0034] In a conventional charge redistribution DAC, the bottom plate of a graduated (bit-weighted) filter array is coupled to the input during the sampling phase and all capacitors are charged to the input signal voltage. After the capacitors are charged, their bottom plates are coupled to ground during hold phase such that the top plates of the capacitors are at a voltage V_Xwhich is approximately equal to −A_IN, where A_INis the input sample voltage. During bit cycling, the bottom plate of the capacitor representing the MSB is coupled to the reference and the voltage of the top plate compared against the reference. The bottom capacitors of the remaining capacitors remain coupled to ground to form a voltage divider. If upper plate voltage is now below the reference, then the MSB capacitor continues to be coupled to the reference (i.e. the bit is kept), otherwise the bottom plate of the capacitor is recoupled to ground (i.e. the bit is not kept).

[0035] One circuit embodiment of the principles of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. In this case, an error cancellation (compensation) stage 301, which is preferably a subtractor, is placed in front of the comparator. This cancellation stage presents a voltage to the comparator inputs, as determined during a calibration procedure, and cancels out the input voltage offset. Cancellation stage 301 performs the cancellation operation in the analog domain, although its control is performed in the digital domain. A preferred charge redistribution DAC suitable with an integral offset compensation (cancellation) circuitry is discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 4. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to error compensation loops utilizing charge redistribution DACs. In alternative embodiments, the DAC can also be a resistor-based DAC or a current-based DAC.

[0036] A switched-capacitor charge redistribution DAC 400 embodying the present principles is shown in FIG. 4A. In this embodiment, two capacitor arrays are provided for each of the paths into the positive and negative differential inputs into comparator 404, namely, Input Capacitor Array 401 and Offset Compensation Capacitor Array 402. One pair of arrays 401 and 402 is shown in further detail in FIG. 4B. Input Capacitor Array 401 comprises a termination capacitor C_Tand an array of capacitors C_INi, i=1 to m graduated in the sequence C, 2C, 4C, . . . 2^m−2C, 2^m−1C(ff). In the following discussion, input capacitors 401 coupled to the positive comparator input are designated C_INPiand those coupled to the negative comparator input designated C_INNi. Generally, the termination capacitors do not participate in the bit-cycling process, except during capacitance calibration (trim) operations.

[0037] Offset Compensation Capacitor Array 402, comprises a termination capacitor C_Tand an array of capacitors C_OFFj, j=1 to n, graduated in the sequence C, 2C, 4C, . . . 2ⁿ⁻²C, 2ⁿ⁻¹C (ff). Offset capacitors coupled to the positive comparator input are designated C_OFFPjand those coupled to the negative comparator input C_OFFNj.

[0038] The bottom plate of each capacitor in array 401 is associated with a set of switches 403, one of which is shown in further detail. Specifically, each input array switch set includes a switch S_AINifor coupling the plate to the analog input voltage A_IN+or A_IN−, a switch S_VRi+for coupling to the positive reference voltage rail V_REF+, a switch S_GNDifor coupling to the negative reference rail V_REF−, in this case GND, and a switch S_CMifor coupling to the input common mode voltage V_CMIreferenced to the differential inputs A_IN+and A_IN−.

[0039] A similar set of switches 404, indexed j=1 to m, selectively couple the bottom plates of the capacitors of offset array 402 to the input signal (A_IN+or A_IN−) and the reference voltage (V_REF+) and GND. After the SAR bit cycling process, the state of switches 403 represent the digitally coded input sample and is stored in registers 406 for output.

[0040] An offset calibration cycle is run to selectively charge the capacitors of the offset arrays 402a,bat the positive and negative inputs to the comparator. In the following discussion, “complementary” sets of capacitors are those coupled by the appropriate switches at a given instant to opposing reference voltages. For example, if capacitor C_INPiin input array 401aat the positive comparator input is coupled to V_REF, then the corresponding capacitor in C_INiin input array 401bat the negative comparator input is coupled to GND, and vice versa. Similarly, if a capacitor C_OFFPjin offset array 402ais coupled to V_REF, capacitor C_OFFNjin offset array 402bis coupled to GND, and vice versa.

[0041] During the sampling phase of the calibration procedure, the bottom plates of all input capacitors C_INPi(i=1 to m) and C_INi(i=1 to m) are coupled to the input common mode voltage V_CMi. The MSB capacitor C_OFFMSBPof the positive path capacitor array is coupled to V_REFand the complementary MSB capacitor C_OFFMSBNis coupled to Gnd. The bottom plates of the remaining positive path offset capacitors C_OFFLSBPare coupled to ground and those of the remaining negative path offset capacitors C_OFFLSBNare coupled to V_REF. The top plates of all the input and offset capacitors, for both paths are coupled to a common voltage according to the comparator design. For a more complete discussion of the compensation reference is now made to copending, coassigned patent application Ser. No. 09/919,181 incorporated above by reference

[0042] During the calibration conversion phase, a SAR bit cycling process is then performed using only the offset capacitors C_OFFPjand C_OFFNJ. The bits on the offset capacitors approximate the inverse of the offset voltage V_OFF. During this process, the bottom plates of the input capacitors remains coupled to V_cmi. The calibration conversion phase is illustrated in FIG. 5B.

[0043] During the calibration conversion phase, a SAR bit cycling process is then performed using only the offset capacitors C_OFFPjand C_OFFNj. The bits on the offset capacitors after bit cycling approximate the inverse of the offset voltage V_OFF, such that the bit positions of the corresponding switches represent the offset compensation code. During this process, the bottom plates of the input capacitors are coupled to ground

[0044] During subsequent normal mode operation, the input capacitors C_INPiand C_INNiare coupled to the system inputs to sample the differential analog inputs A_INPand A_INN. During normal mode sampling, the MSB offset capacitor of the positive path and the LSB offset capacitor of the negative path are coupled to V_REFwhile the LSB offset capacitors of the positive path and the MSB capacitor of the negative path are coupled to ground. A SAR bit cycling operation is then performed on the input capacitors C_INPiand C_INNi. During the normal operation conversion phase, the offset capacitors C_OFFPj, and C_OFFNjare selectively coupled to V_REFand ground to reflect the offset compensation codes as determined during the calibration operations.

[0045] An alternate embodiment is depicted in FIG. 5 Here, two offset arrays are provided at each of the comparator inputs.

[0046] Specifically, each input is associated with a coarse offset array 501 and a fine offset array 502. Structurally, these arrays are similar to offset arrays 402 discussed above and include an array of weighted capacitors and a corresponding set of switches. The number of weighted capacitors in the coarse and fine arrays are not necessarily equal. For example, the coarse array could be an 5-bit array and the fine array a 8-bit array.

[0047] During the sampling phase of calibration, the MSB capacitors of the both coarse and fine arrays of the positive input path are coupled to V_REFwhile the MSB capacitors of the coarse and fine arrays of the negative input path are coupled of Gnd. The remaining capacitors in both the coarse and fine arrays of the positive input path are coupled to Gnd while those of the negative input path are coupled to V_REF. The input capacitors sample V_cmias discussed above.

[0048] During the calibration conversion phase, a bit cycling operation is first performed through coarse arrays 501 followed by a bit cycling operation through the fine arrays 502. The results are coarse and fine offset codes for the positive and negative input paths.

[0049] The normal mode sample conversion is performed in a manner similar to that discussed above. During the sampling phase, with the MSB capacitors of the fine and coarse offset compensation arrays of the positive path coupled to V_REFand those of the fine and coarse offset compensation arrays of the negative path coupled of Gnd. The remaining (LSB) capacitors of the positive path fine and coarse arrays are coupled to Gnd the remaining (LSB) capacitors of the negative path coupled to V_REF.

[0050] During the normal mode conversion phase, the offset codes determined during calibration are set into the fine and coarse arrays of both the positive and negative input paths. A bit cycling is then performed through the input capacitor arrays C_INTOTNand C_INTOTP, as previously described.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4B, switching arrays 403/404 selectively couple the capacitors of arrays 401/402 to at least three primary voltages, namely A_IN, V_REF, and Gnd, as well as V_CMin embodiments supporting offset calibration. For the most part, a given capacitor is only coupled to a single one of these voltages at one time. Hence, some provision must be made to insure that only one switch 403 per capacitor is closed at a given time to avoid contention problems.

[0052] In conventional SAR charge redistribution circuits, capacitor switching is normally implemented using Break-Before-Make (definite non-overlap) circuitry. Here, all the switches controlling a given capacitor are opened (break) before any one switch is closed (make). For example, consider the switches controlling the voltage on the capacitor representing the most significant bit. During sampling, switch S_AINMSBis closed and switches S_VRMSBand S_GndMSBare open. Switch S_AINis then opened before switch S_VRis closed to perform the bit test during the conversion phase. If the bit is kept, then switch S_VRMSBremains closed and switch S_VRMSB−1for the next capacitor is closed to test the next most significant bit. On the other hand, if the current bit is not kept, then switch S_VRMSBmust first be opened before switches S_GndMSBand S_VRMSB−1are closed. In this way, the proper voltages always independently appear on the capacitor bottom plates.

[0053] While traditional Break-Before-Make logic solves the contention problem, it also disadvantageously introduces a delay into the data conversion process. Generally, the more signals (e.g. V_REF, V_CM, Gnd, A_IN) that must be arbitrated, the more gates are required in the Break-Before-Make circuitry. Each gate introduces a certain amount of gate delay. For high performance applications, these gate delays are typically unacceptable.

[0054] According to the present concepts, a high speed SAR return path 210 eliminates the gate delays found in conventional SAR circuits. As discussed below in further detail, a set of latches are used in the return path between the output of comparator/latch 209 and switch arrays 403/404. These latches are used to implement the Break-Before-Make function with a compact timing which conserves clock cycles.

[0055] FIG. 6A is a functional block diagram of the switches S_AINi, S_Gndi, and S_VRi, and S_AINi+1, S_VRi+1, and S_Gndi+controlling two arbitrarily selected adjacent capacitors C_iand C_i+1in one of arrays 403aor 403b. (For discussion purposes, the primary positive and negative input paths will be considered, although the concepts described below are applicable as well to the offset compensation return paths). Each switch is associated with a register of one or more latches 601. The exemplary switches and latches of FIG. 6A, along with the timing diagram of FIG. 6B, will illustrate the preferred operation of return paths 210 for all m-number of switches 403a,bshown in FIG. 4.

[0056] Each cycle in the conversion of a sample is divided into reset and set periods. Generally, during the reset period all the switches which must be broken are broken and during the set period all the switches which must be set are set. It should be noted, that after a switch has been set to V_REFor Gnd after a keep/don't keep decision is made for the bit, it remains set for the remainder of the conversion of the current sample.

[0057] In FIG. 6B, during the sampling phase latches LA_INmare set (SetA_INm) such that the m-number of switches S_AINmin arrays 403a,bcouple the associated capacitors C_mto the analog input A_IN. At the same time, the output LATCH of regenerative comparator/latch 209 is reset by shorting its differential outputs together. After the sampling phase is over, LA_INmare reset (ResetA_INm) and switches S_AINmopen at the start of the conversion phase.

[0058] Assume the Bit i is the MSB and therefore the first bit to be decided. In this case, the SAR shift register sets the test bit Test_iactive (high). Latch LV_REFiis set (Set LV_REFi) and the corresponding switch S_VRicouples the bottom plate of capacitor C_ito V_REF. At the same time, latch LGnd_i+1is set (Set LG_j+1) such that switch S_Gndi+1couples capacitor C_i+1to Gnd. (The remaining capacitors in the array are also coupled to Gnd for the initial bit cycle and remain set until reset during the specific bit decision). The comparator/latch 209 output LATCH resets and then begins to regenerate as the comparator input voltage difference starts the latch output to swing for Bit_i.

[0059] The output of Latch for Bit_idoes not close either switch SV_REFor S_gnddepending on the decision, until after the start the conversion cycle for Bit_i+, (i.e. Test_i+1active). Decision_iis enabled for Bit_iby FEn_iand either sets LV_REFiif the bit is to be kept or sets LGnd_iif the bit is not kept. As previously mentioned, once the decision is made for Bit_ithis switch configuration is maintained for the conversion of the current sample.

[0060] The determination of Bit_i+1begins with the reset of latches LGnd_i+1and LV_REFi. The SAR shift register sets Test_i+1active. During the set period of the cycle, latch LV_REFi+1is set and switch S_VRi+1couples the bottom plate of capacitor C_i+1to V_REFand the bit is tested. As was done for the previous bit, the latch output regenerates and is enabled such that the switches are set for Bit_i+1, during the start of the following test for the bit (Bit_i+2). (In this case, latch LV_REFi+1is reset at the beginning of the C_i+2cycle).

[0061] The set and reset signals shown in FIG. 6B can be generated in any one of a number of ways. One preferred way is through the use of set and reset one-shot circuitry 602 triggered off the SAR shift register output Test_i, as shown in FIG. 6C. The SAR logic discussed above is also shown here generally at 604a,bfor reference.

[0062] For example, each bit can be associated with a set of one-shot circuits, one for setting corresponding latch LV_REFi, one for resetting latches LV_REFiand LG_i+1and for one generating (setting) the enable signal FEni.

[0063] In contrast to conventional SAR return paths were the make-before-break operation is made in series with the latch decision, according to the inventive principles, the make-before-break operation is made in parallel with the latch regeneration period. This allows the embodying return path to operate substantially faster than conventional return paths.

[0064] In contrast to conventional SAR return paths were the make-before-break operation is made in series with the latch decision, according to the inventive principles, the make-before-break operation is made in parallel with the latch regeneration period. This allows the embodying return path to operate substantially faster than conventional return paths.

[0065] While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.