Noise-shaping time to digital converter (TDC) using delta-sigma modulation method
US8421661B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG04F10/005
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a time digital converter, and more particularly, to a noise-shaping time to digital converter (TDC) that has a 1-bit output and uses a delta-sigma modulation method. The noise-shaping time to digital converter (TDC) that has the 1-bit output and uses the delta-sigma modulation method in accordance with the present invention eliminates the need for a large number of D flip-flops or counters and a plurality of delay units connected in series to one another because the time to digital converter is fabricated such that a delay element has a resolution of the effective delay time in a semiconductor process, unlike the conventional time to digital converter. Therefore, the time to digital converter of the present invention has an advantage in that an extremely high resolution and high linearity can be achieved with an efficient circuit configuration and low power consumption.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.