Filter Circuit for Filtering an Input Signal of an Analogue-To-Digital Converter

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This patent discloses an improved filter circuit for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The invention introduces a filtering method that divides and processes an input analog signal into several branches, each integrating the signal over a defined period before converting it to a digital output. By integrating the signal before digitization, the circuit effectively suppresses high-frequency noise or short-term disturbances, making the overall ADC process more robust and accurate. The patent also covers both the circuit architecture and the filtering method, as well as implementation in multi-bit ADCs using thermometer code and conversion to binary output.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Integrated into analog-to-digital converters for use in audio, RF, imaging, and measurement devices.
• Improving ADC performance in medical equipment, such as electrocardiograms and imaging systems.
• Used in industrial sensors to ensure accurate digital readings from noisy environments.
• In automotive electronics to robustly digitize sensor signals in the presence of electrical noise.
• In communication devices that require precise signal digitization despite interference or transient fluctuations.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Greatly reduces the effect of high-frequency noise and short-term disturbances on digital conversion results.
• Enables more reliable and accurate analog-to-digital conversion, especially in noisy environments.
• Potentially lowers power consumption by reducing the need for additional active analog filtering stages.
• Enhances the robustness of ADC systems without complicating their clock signals or reference voltage generation.
• Supports flexible ADC resolutions (via parallel processing/filter branches) and efficient digital code translation (thermometer to binary).

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a filter circuit (200), comprising at least one first filter strand (210). The first filter strand (210) comprises a first input circuit (10), a first integration circuit (20) and a first output circuit (30). The first input circuit (10) is configured to convert an input signal according to the value of the input signal into at least two distinguishable first first-stage output signals, and forward the first-stage output signals during a predetermined time period to the first integration circuit (20, 420). The first integration circuit (20) is configured to integrate the first first-stage output signals of the first input circuit (10) over the predetermined time period and generate a first integration signal (25). The first output circuit (30) is configured to compare the first integration signal (25) to a first output reference value and generate a first second-stage output signal (35). The invention, furthermore, relates to a corresponding method for filtering.