The paper considers results of design and simulation of analogue-digital converters (ADC) based on current mirrors for
the multi-sensor systems with parallel inputs-outputs. Such ADCs are named us as multichannel serial-parallel analog-to-digital converters based on current mirrors (M SP ADC CM). Compared with usual converters, for example reading,
a bit-by-bit equilibration, and so forth, the proposed converters have a number of advantages: high speed and reliability,
simplicity, small power consumption, the big degree of integration in linear and matrix structures. We discuss aspects of
the design of M SP ADC CM in Gray and binary codes. It is offered, investigated and simulated the 6, 8 and more digit
M SP ADC CM in Gray code and binary codes. Each channel of the overall structure consists of several base digit cells
(ABC), with options for low power consumption with only one such ABC and analog memory (less than 20 CMOS
transistors). Base digit cells (АВС) of such M SP ADC CM, series-pipelined in structures, consist of 20-30 CMOS
transistors, one photodiode, have low (1-3.3) V supply voltage, work in current modes with the maximum values of
currents (10-40) μA. Therefore such new principles of realization of high-speed low-digital M SP ADC CM have
allowing, as shown by simulation experiments, to reach time of transformation less than 20-30ns at 5-8 bits of binary
code and Gray code and the power consumption 1-5mW. The quantity of easily cascadable АВС depends on multi-bit
ADC, and makes n, and provides quantity of quantization levels equal N=2n. Such simple structure of M SP ADC CM
with low power consumption ≤3÷5mWand supply voltage (3-7)V, and at the same time with good dynamic
characteristics (frequency of digitization even for 1.5μm CMOS-technologies is 40 MHz, and can be increased up to 10
times) and accuracy (Δquantization=156,25nA for Imax=10μA ) characteristics are show. The range of optical signals,
taking into account sensitivity of modern photo-detectors, can be 20-200 μW. Each channel of ADC, to reach the
general power 50-100μW for low power consumption, can consist of only one such ABC and analog memory. To
implement such serial ADC no more than 40 CMOS transistors are needed. The M SP ADC CM opens new prospects
for realization linear and matrix (with picture operands) micro photo-electronic structures which are necessary for
neural networks, digital optoelectronic processors, neural-fuzzy controllers, and so forth.
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