Analog-to-digital conversion with micro-coded sequencer
US9590649B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/50
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A micro-coded sequencer controls complex conversion sequences independent of a central processing unit (CPU). Micro-coding provides for easily adding new process steps and/or updating existing process steps. Such a programmable sequencer in combination with an analog-to-digital conversion module such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or a charge time measurement unit (CTMU), and digital processing circuits may be configured to work independently of the CPU in combination with the micro-coded sequencer. Thereby providing self-sufficient operation in low power modes when the CPU and other high power modules are in a low power sleep mode. Such a peripheral can execute data collection and processing thereof, then wake the CPU only when needed, thereby saving power. Furthermore, this peripheral does not require CPU processing so that time critical applications that do require control by the CPU can operate more efficiently and with less operating overhead burden.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.