Media.Player

Asynchronous Analog-to-Digital Converter

Detailed Technology Description

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel asynchronous analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that uses significantly less power than conventional ADCs.

Others

• Patent: 7,466,258
• Akopyan, F.; Manohar, R.; Apsel, A.B. (March 2006). A level-crossing flash asynchronous analog-to-digital converter. 12th IEEE International Symposium on Asynchronous Circuits and Systems, 11.

*Abstract

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Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel asynchronous analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that uses significantly less power than conventional ADCs. The new topology, referred to as "level-crossing flash-ADC (LCF-ADC), uses a non-uniform sampling technique by adopting an asynchronous event-driven circuit design and "level-crossing sampling". The LCF-ADC takes a sample only when the input signal crosses predefined voltage levels, thereby optimizing its sampling rate for current signal complexity. Unlike other asynchronous ADCs, the LCF-ADC uses a parallel topology and does not explicitly track the sampling time, allowing for additional power savings.

 

Potential Applications

• Ultra low power circuits operating in the MHz regime
• Sensing systems with portable energy supplies such as:
  • Remote environmental monitors/sensors (temperature, pressure, vibration, etc.)
  • Biomedical devices (implanted health and brain activity monitors/sensors)
• Military devices
• Wireless applications such as audio devices and cellular telephones

 

Advantages

• Significantly less power consumption than conventional ADCs and other asynchronous ADCs
• Minimizes transmission bandwidth due to differential encoding
• Automatic power-down with constant signal
• Immediate power-up with signal change
• Simplified circuit design; less complex than conventional ADCs

*Licensing

Martin Teschlmt439@cornell.edu(607) 254-4454

Country/Region

USA