Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/KR101413035B1/en
Timestamp: 2019-11-17 03:42:45
Document Index: 761518962

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 180', 'art 170', 'art 180', 'art 170', 'art 180', 'art 180']

KR101413035B1 - AD converter using arrangement of stators and AD converting method - Google Patents
AD converter using arrangement of stators and AD converting method Download PDF
KR101413035B1
KR101413035B1 KR20070082251A KR20070082251A KR101413035B1 KR 101413035 B1 KR101413035 B1 KR 101413035B1 KR 20070082251 A KR20070082251 A KR 20070082251A KR 20070082251 A KR20070082251 A KR 20070082251A KR 101413035 B1 KR101413035 B1 KR 101413035B1
KR20070082251A
KR20090017802A (en
2009-02-19 Publication of KR20090017802A publication Critical patent/KR20090017802A/en
2014-07-02 Publication of KR101413035B1 publication Critical patent/KR101413035B1/en
AD converters and AD conversion methods are provided. According to the present AD converter, at least one stator, at least one actuator moving according to the input voltage, and an output value of each of the stators are determined according to the arrangement of the stator and the position of the actuators. As a result, it is possible to provide an AD converter capable of realizing high resolution and high speed while consuming less power
Stator, actuator, AD converter, laser, comb structure, binary code
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an AD converter using an arrangement of stators,
The present invention relates to an AD converter and an AD conversion method, and more particularly, to a parallel type AD converter and an AD conversion method for converting an analog signal into a digital signal by a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology.
Most of the natural signals change analogously (continuously) with time. To understand the phenomena of nature, it is necessary to find out the magnitude of these signals over time. The values are also processed and analyzed through a computer. To process and analyze these analog signals in a computer, a device that converts analog signals to digital values that can be processed by a computer is needed, which is an analog to digital (AD) converter.
The AD converter may also be fabricated by MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology. MEMS is used as a synonym for microsystems, micromachines, micromechanics, and the like, and means a microsystem or a microsystem when translated. In other words, it refers to the development of mechanical devices through micro-precision mechanical technology. The use of MEMS technology enables miniaturization of the AD converter.
There are various types of AD converters such as parallel comparator type, short-circuited type, biped type, and axial type. Among them, the parallel comparator type AD converter uses the OP amplifier as a comparator, and the output signal of the comparator is encoded and outputted as a digital output value in binary form. The output of the comparator outputs a voltage corresponding to logic 1 if the input voltage is higher than the reference voltage.
The parallel comparator type AD converter includes a plurality of resistors for setting a reference voltage, a plurality of comparators for voltage comparison for each reference voltage, and an encoder for digital signal output.
However, when a plurality of resistors and a plurality of comparators are used to construct the AD converter, much power is consumed in the resistors and the comparator. In addition, more power is consumed because more resistors and comparators are required to implement high resolution and high speed. In particular, to implement an n-bit AD converter requires 2 n resistors and 2 n -1 comparators, the power consumption increases exponentially as the AD converter with a higher number of bits is implemented.
It is desirable that the AD converter consume low power. Therefore, there is a demand for a method of providing an AD converter that can realize high resolution and high speed while consuming lower power.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an AD converter capable of realizing high resolution and high speed while consuming less power, And an AD converter and an A / D conversion method in which an output value is determined according to a layout.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an analog to digital (AD) converter comprising: at least one stator; At least one actuator moving according to an input voltage; And a digital signal generator for determining a digital output value according to the input voltage according to the arrangement of the stator and the position of the actuators.
Each of the stators preferably outputs a voltage corresponding to a logical value 1 when the actuator is overlapped with any one of the actuators and outputs a voltage corresponding to a logical value 0 when none of the actuators are overlapped Do.
The stator may output a voltage corresponding to a capacitance value formed by one of the actuators.
Preferably, the actuators include a light source, and the stator includes a light detecting unit, and outputs a voltage depending on whether light output from the light sources of the actuators is detected.
In addition, it is preferable that the actuators linearly move according to the magnitude of the input voltage.
The AD converter preferably further includes at least one force acting portion for moving the actuator by at least one of an electrostatic force, a piezo, a thermal force, and a magnetic force .
The AD converter includes: a first force application unit having a fixed comb structure; And a second force acting portion of a comb-like structure connected to the actuators and movable with an input voltage applied thereto, wherein the actuators are arranged between the first force application portion and the second force application portion It is desirable to move by force.
The stators may be arranged in rows equal in number to the number of bits of the digital output value.
In addition, it is preferable that the stators are the same size as the stator disposed in the same row, and are half the size of the stator disposed in the row that is one bit higher.
If the stators are arranged in a total of n rows, it is preferable that the number of stators arranged in the i-th row (i is an integer between 1 and n) of n rows is 2 i-1 .
Preferably, the digital signal generation unit outputs a digital output value corresponding to a binary code value.
And, if the stators are arranged in a total of n rows, the first row of the n rows is arranged with one stator, and the jth row (j is an integer between 2 and n) of the n rows It is preferable that the number of stators is 2 j-2 .
The magnitudes of the actuators are the same as the magnitudes of the stator arranged in the same row, and the digital signal generator preferably outputs a digital output value corresponding to the gray code value.
The size of the actuators is preferably the same as the size of the stator disposed in the same row.
It is preferable that the AD converter is a parallel-type AD converter.
Meanwhile, an AD converter according to the present invention includes: at least one stator; And a digital signal generator for determining a digital output value according to the input voltage according to an arrangement of the stator and a light emitting position of the light sources.
The stator may include a photodetector and may output a voltage depending on whether light output from the light sources is detected.
Meanwhile, an AD converter according to the present invention includes: at least one stator; An input unit to which an input voltage is applied; And a digital signal generator for determining a digital output value according to the arrangement of the stator and the input voltage of the input unit.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an AD conversion method comprising: preparing at least one stator; Applying an input voltage; And determining a digital output value according to the arrangement of the stators and the input voltage.
The AD conversion method includes: moving at least one actuator according to the input voltage; And the determining step preferably determines a digital output value according to the input voltage according to the arrangement of the at least one stator and the position of the at least one actuator.
The AD conversion method may further include outputting a voltage corresponding to a logical value 1 when the stators overlap with any one of the actuators and outputting a voltage corresponding to a logical value 0 when none of the at least one actuators is overlapped And outputting a voltage to be applied to the first electrode.
The AD conversion method may further include outputting a voltage corresponding to a capacitance value formed by any one of the actuators.
The AD conversion method may further include: providing at least one light source that emits light according to the input voltage; And the determining step determines the digital output value according to the input voltage according to the arrangement of the stator and the light emitting position of the light sources.
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an AD converter and an A / D conversion method in which the output value is determined according to the arrangement of stator, so that high resolution and high speed can be realized while consuming lower power Thereby providing an AD converter.
In particular, since an n-bit AD converter can be implemented using n comparators without using a resistor, a high-resolution AD converter can be realized while consuming less power.
In addition, the AD converter can be realized by using only the actuator and the stator, and outputting the digital value directly without any additional calibration process, so that the AD converter can be miniaturized and the configuration can be simplified.
In addition, since a comb structure is used, an AD converter with high linearity can be realized.
1 is a diagram showing a structure of an AD converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a 4-bit AD converter with a 4-bit digital output value.
1, the 4-bit AD converter includes four actuators 101 to 104, fifteen stators 111 to 148, a digital signal generator 150, a first force application unit 170, And a second force application portion 180. The digital signal generation unit 150 includes four comparators 151 to 154 and a reference voltage unit 160.
Actuators 101 to 104 are generally conductive plates having a rectangular shape of a certain size. However, it may be a shape other than a rectangle of various sizes, or it may be made of other materials even though it is not a conductor plate. Further, the actuators 101 to 104 may constitute a light source so that the stators 111 to 148 can confirm their positions.
The number of actuators is equal to the number of bits of the AD converter. That is, the 4-bit AD converter requires four actuators 101 to 104 in total. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first actuator 101, the second actuator 102, the third actuator 103 and the fourth actuator 104 are provided. Hereinafter, the A1 101, A2 102, A3 103 and A4 104, respectively. 1, A1 101 is used to measure the most significant bit, and A4 104 is used to measure the least significant bit.
Actuators 101 to 104 are connected to the second force application part 180, and move as the analog input voltage increases.
The actuators 101 to 104 are used to determine whether or not the stators 111 to 148 are disposed at the corresponding positions while the position is being moved. For example, when the actuator and the stator, which are the conductive plates, are located at the same position, the capacitance increases, so that it is possible to determine whether or not the actuator and the stator are in the same position. Further, when the actuator provided with the light source is located at the same position as the stator, the stator may detect the light and determine whether or not the light is in the same position.
On the other hand, the stators 111 to 148 are generally rectangular conductive plates each having a predetermined size. However, the stators 111 to 148 may be other shapes than rectangles of various sizes, or may be formed of other materials, not the conductive plates. In addition, the stators 111 to 148 may be provided with optical detectors so that the positions of the actuators 101 to 104 can be confirmed.
To implement an n-bit AD converter, 2 n -1 stator are required. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, a total of 15 stators 111 to 148 are required to implement a 4-bit AD converter. However, if the digital output value is a gray code value, the AD converter may be implemented with a smaller number of 2 &lt; n &gt; -1 stator.
And the stators 111 to 148 may be arranged in rows. The number of rows in which the stators 111 to 148 are arranged represents the number of bits of the digital output value. And the number of stators placed in a row depends on the bit that the row represents. For example, the number of stator in the row outputting the i-th bit in the n-bit AD converter is 2 i-1 . Therefore, in the present embodiment, since it is a 4-bit AD converter, there are one row representing the most significant bit, two rows representing the second bit, four rows representing the third bit, and eight rows representing the fourth least significant bit, . However, when implemented to output as a gray code value, the AD converter may be implemented with fewer stator sets.
The stator in the same row is electrically connected to each other. Therefore, when any one of the stators of the same row is overlapped with the actuator, the output value of the row becomes the voltage corresponding to the logical value 1.
The digital signal generation unit 150 determines a digital output value according to the input voltage according to the arrangement of the stators 111 to 148 and the positions of the actuators 101 to 104.
The comparators 151 to 154 compare the output value of the stator with the reference voltage output from the reference voltage unit 160. When the output value of the stator is higher than the reference voltage, the voltage corresponding to the logic value '1' is output. When the output value of the stator is lower than the reference voltage, the voltage corresponding to the logic value '0' is output.
The comparator is required as many as the number of bits of the AD converter. That is, the n-bit AD converter requires n comparators. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a total of four comparators 151 to 154 are provided because the AD converter is a 4-bit AD converter.
The reference voltage section 160 outputs a reference voltage used by the comparators 151 to 154 as a reference for comparison.
The first force application portion 170 and the second force application portion 180 determine the movement of the actuators 101 to 104 by a force applied therebetween. The first force application part 170 is fixed and has a comb structure. The second force application unit 180 is connected to the actuators 101 to 104, and the analog input voltage is applied, and the second force application unit 180 moves according to the applied input voltage. The second force application part 180 has a comb-like structure and is engaged with the first force application part 170. [
The first force application portion 170 is in a grounded state or a constant voltage is applied thereto. The second force application unit 180 is applied with an analog input voltage. Therefore, a potential difference is generated between the first force application portion 170 and the second force application portion 180, and the resulting static electricity acts. By this force, the second force application portion 180 moves, and the connected actuators 101 to 104 move together. In addition, the second force application unit 180 having the comb structure moves linearly according to the magnitude of the applied input voltage.
Although the first force application portion 170 and the second force application portion 180 are described as having a comb tooth structure in the present embodiment, this is merely an example, and the force application portions having different shapes may be used as the actuators 101 to 104 may be moved.
Hereinafter, the AD conversion method will be described with reference to FIG. 2 is a flow chart provided in the description of an AD conversion method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
First, at least one stator is disposed (S210). The number of stators is determined by the number of bits of the AD converter. In this embodiment, a total of 15 stators 111 to 148 are arranged to implement a 4-bit converter. Further, as described above, the stators 111 to 148 may be arranged to form rows and columns.
Thereafter, the actuators 101 to 104 are moved according to the analog input voltage (S220). The first force acting portion 170 and the second force acting portion 180 act linearly on the magnitude of the analog input voltage. Accordingly, the second force application part 180 is moved, and the connected actuators 101 to 104 are also moved to a specific position.
Next, the output value of each of the stators is determined according to the position of the moved actuators 101 to 104 and the arrangement of the stators 111 to 148 (S230). Depending on the position of the actuators 101 to 104 shifted by the input voltage, the stators 111 to 148 output a voltage corresponding to a logical value 1 when overlapping with any one of the actuators 101 to 104, When any one of the actuators 101 to 104 is not overlapped, a voltage corresponding to a logical value 0 is output.
Whether the actuator and the stator are overlapped can be judged based on the capacitance value. The larger the area shared by the actuator and the stator, the larger the capacitance between the actuator and the stator becomes. Therefore, the larger the area shared by the actuator and the stator, the larger the output value of the stator. Therefore, when the actuator and the stator are completely overlapped, the capacitance has the largest value and the output value becomes the largest. That is, the comparator can determine whether the output value of the stator becomes equal to or greater than the reference voltage, and determine whether the actuator and the stator are overlapped by more than a threshold value.
Further, it is possible to judge whether or not the actuator and the stator are overlapped by another method other than the method of measuring the capacitance. For example, it is assumed that the actuators 101 to 104 include a light source, and the stators 111 to 148 include a light detecting portion. Then, when light emitted from the light source of the actuator is detected through the optical detection unit of the stator, it can be confirmed that the actuator and the stator are overlapped with each other.
The digital signal generator 150 compares the output value of the stators 111 to 148 with the reference voltage through the comparators 151 to 154 and outputs a digital output value at step S240. That is, each comparator outputs a voltage corresponding to a logic value '1' when at least one of the stators disposed in the same row overlaps with the actuator, and outputs a logic value '1' when the actuator is not overlapped with the stators disposed in the same row. 0 &quot;. &lt; / RTI &gt;
In this way, the AD converter converts the analog input voltage to a digital output value.
3 is a table summarizing output values of the AD converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the digital output value output through the above process has a 4-digit binary code form. Thus, the 4-bit AD converter according to the present embodiment can obtain decimal values 0 to 15 as digital output values.
Although the digital output value is displayed in the form of a binary code in FIG. 3, the AD converter may be implemented to be output in a different manner. For example, an AD converter may be implemented to output in the form of a gray code value.
In the drawings described below, the reference numerals in FIG. 1 are used as they are, even though they are not shown.
Hereinafter, an operation example of the AD converter according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG.
In the present embodiment, the first actuator 101, the second actuator 102, the third actuator 103 and the fourth actuator 104 are provided. Hereinafter, A1 101, A2 102, A3 103) and A4 (104).
The following description will be given for each stator with the following names. A row indicating the most significant bit is set as one row, and a row number indicating the least significant bit is sequentially given as four rows. In the same row, column numbers are assigned sequentially from the left. Then, a serial number is assigned to each stator using such a matrix number. For example, the stator 111 arranged in the first row and the first column is denoted by S11, and the stator 121 arranged in the second row and the first column is denoted by S21. In the same way, the stator 122 arranged in the second row and second column is S22, the stator 131 arranged in the third row and first column is S31, the stator 132 arranged in the third row and second column is S32, The stator 133 disposed at the third row and fourth column is denoted by S34, and the stator 134 disposed at the third row and fourth column is denoted by S34. Likewise, the stators 141 to 148 arranged in the fourth row are respectively named S41 to S48 from the left.
4 is a diagram illustrating an AD converter corresponding to a state of outputting a decimal value '3' according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the actuators 101 to 104 are moved by the input voltage. Since A1 (101) and A2 (102) do not overlap with the stator at the current position, the first bit and the second bit are logical 0s. Since A3 103 overlaps with S31 131 and A4 104 overlaps with S42 142, the third bit and the fourth bit are logic 1 values. Accordingly, in FIG. 4, the digital output value becomes '0011', and converted into decimal value becomes '3'.
5 is a diagram illustrating an AD converter corresponding to a state of outputting a decimal value '7' according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5, the actuators 101 to 104 are moved by the input voltage. At the current position, A1 (101) does not overlap with the stator, so the first bit is a logic 0 (zero). Since A2 102 overlaps with S21 121 and A3 103 overlaps with S32 132 and A4 102 overlaps with S44 144, the second bit, the third bit, and the fourth bit Becomes a logical value 1. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 5, the digital output value becomes '0111', and converted into decimal number becomes '7'.
6 is a diagram illustrating an AD converter corresponding to a state of outputting a decimal value '11' according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, the actuators 101 to 104 are moved by the input voltage. At the current position, A2 (102) does not overlap with the stator, so the second bit is a logic zero. The A1 101 is overlapped with the S11 111 and the A3 103 is overlapped with the S33 133 and the A4 102 is overlapped with the S46 146 so that the first bit, Becomes a logical value 1. Accordingly, in the case of FIG. 6, the digital output value becomes '1011', and converted into decimal value becomes '11'.
Up to now, an operation example of the AD converter according to the present embodiment has been described in detail.
Although the actuators 101 to 104 are all assumed to have the same size in the present embodiment, the actuators may have different sizes. For example, the size of each actuator can be equal to the size of the stator in the same row. Hereinafter, such an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an AD converter, such as the size of a stator located in the same row as an actuator, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The larger the cross-sectional area shared by the two conductor plates, the larger the capacitance. Therefore, if the size of the actuator is small, the capacitance becomes small, and thus the sensitivity to judge whether the actuator and the stator are overlapped is reduced. That is, the larger the size of the actuator, the better the sensitivity. Therefore, the size of each actuator can be made equal to the size of the stator of the same row, so that the size of the actuator can be maximized.
As shown in FIG. 7, the size of the actuator may be equal to the size of the stator of the same row. When the actuator is overlapped with the stator by more than half, the stator outputs the voltage corresponding to the logic value '1'. When the actuator is overlapped with the stator by half, the stator outputs the voltage corresponding to the logic value '0'. Therefore, the reference voltage input to each comparator becomes equal to the voltage output when the actuator and stator of each row are half-overlapped. That is, different reference voltages are applied to each row.
For example, in the first row, the reference voltage 1, which is the output voltage when the A1 (101) is half-overlapped, is applied to the first comparator 151. In the second row, the reference voltage 2, which is the output voltage when the A2 102 is half-overlapped, is applied to the second comparator 152. In the third row, the reference voltage 3, which is the output voltage when the A3 103 is half-overlapped, is applied to the third comparator 153. In the fourth row, the reference voltage 4, which is the output voltage when the A4 102 is half-overlapped, is applied to the fourth comparator 154. [
An AD converter can also be implemented by this method.
Hereinafter, an AD converter for outputting a gray code value will be described with reference to FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an AD converter for outputting a gray code according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 8, the AD converter according to the present embodiment has a form similar to that of Fig. That is, the actuators 101 to 104 have the same size as the stators 811 to 844 of the same row. The reference voltage applied to the comparators 151 to 154 becomes equal to the voltage output from the stator when the actuator and the stator of each row are half-overlapped. That is, when the actuator and the stator are overlapped by more than half, the stator outputs the voltage corresponding to the logic value '1', and when the actuator and the stator are overlapped by less than half, the stator outputs the voltage corresponding to the logic value '0'. Therefore, the comparators 151 to 154 are supplied with different reference voltages, respectively. These are the same characteristics as the embodiment of Fig.
However, unlike in FIG. 7, the AD converter according to FIG. 8 has eight stators 811 to 844. Thus, binary, an AD converter for outputting a code (2 n -1 need of the stator), the gray code AD converter (2 n-1 of a stator is needed) and outputting a compared to the advantage that it can be implemented with a less number of stator .
More specifically, if the stators of the AD converter outputting the gray code are arranged and arranged in total of n rows, one stator of the first row of the n rows is arranged, and the jth row of the n rows The number of stator disposed at an integer between 2 and n) is 2 j-2 . Therefore, an n-bit AD converter for outputting a gray code requires a total of 2 n-1 stator.
Referring to the table shown in FIG. 7, the output value of the gray code can be confirmed. Unlike a binary code, a gray code changes only one bit when passed to the next code value. For example, the next gray code value of '0001' is '0011'. That is, only the third bit value changes from 0 to 1. The next gray code value of '0011' is '0010'. This is because only the fourth bit value changes from 1 to 0. In addition, the next gray code value of '0010' is '0110'. This means that only the second bit value changes from 0 to 1.
Unlike binary codes, Gray code changes only one bit at any time to the next value, minimizing errors. In addition, since the total number of stators can be reduced, the structure can be simplified. However, since the decimal values corresponding to the gray code values are mixed in the order, there is a disadvantage that it is necessary to further rearrange them sequentially.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the AD converter may be implemented so as to output a gray code.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, an AD converter having a light source in an actuator and a photodetector in a stator will be described. 9 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an AD converter using an actuator including a light source according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 9, the AD converter according to this embodiment has a form similar to that of the AD converter shown in Fig. However, in the AD converter according to the present embodiment, the actuators 101 to 104 are provided with light sources. The stators 111 to 148 are provided with optical detectors. The optical detection unit may include a charge coupled device (CCD).
When the CCD is exposed to light, a constant voltage is generated. Therefore, the position of the actuator can be determined by detecting the light generated from the light source provided in the actuator through the optical detecting unit. The stator outputs a voltage corresponding to a logical value '1' when light generated by an actuator is detected, and outputs a voltage corresponding to a logical value '0' when light generated by the actuator can not be detected.
9, S11 (111), S33 (133), and S46 (146) can detect light generated by A1 101, A3 103, and A4 102, respectively, , And the third and fourth bits correspond to the logical value '1'. However, since the stator of the second row, S21 (121) and S22 (122), can not detect the light generated by the A2 102, the second bit becomes the logical value '0'. Therefore, in this case, the output value becomes '1011' and corresponds to the decimal number '12'.
As described above, an AD converter may be implemented by providing a light source in an actuator and a photodetector in a stator.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first force application portion 170 and the second force application portion 180 have a comb structure, but they may be implemented by other structures. For example, a parallel plate structure can also be implemented so that forces act on each other.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first force application portion 170 and the second force application portion 180 are moved by the electrostatic force, but they may be realized by other forces. For example, by piezo, thermal, magnetic, or the like.
Hereinafter, a method of implementing an AD converter using only a light source set without an actuator will be described. 10 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an AD converter using a light source set that outputs light according to an input voltage according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 10, the AD converter according to the present embodiment does not include an actuator. Instead, a light source set 1000 is provided. Then, the analog input voltage is applied to the light source set 1000. Further, the stators 111 to 148 are provided with a photodetector part.
According to the present embodiment, the light source set 1000 includes 15 light sources for implementing a 4-bit AD converter, each operating at 1V to 15V. That is, the first light source generates light at 1V, and the second light source generates light at 2V. Thus, the fifteen light sources sequentially have an operating voltage from 1V to 15V. As a light source having such characteristics, a hybrid laser source is exemplified.
Thus, when applied to an analog input voltage, light is generated from a light source operating at that voltage. Then, a certain column of the matrix formed by the stators 111 to 148 is lighted. Since the optical detectors are provided in the stators 111 to 148, the stator with the light outputs a voltage corresponding to the logic value '1', and the stator that does not irradiate the light outputs the voltage corresponding to the logic value '0' .
Taking FIG. 10 as an example, since the analog input voltage is 11V, light is generated in the eleventh light source operated at 11V. The light generated in the eleventh light source is irradiated to S11 (111), S31 (131) and S46 (146) among the stators 111 to 148. [ Accordingly, the output values of the first, third, and fourth rows become the logical value '1', and the output value of the second row becomes the logical value '0'. That is, the digital output value becomes '1011' and corresponds to the decimal value 11.
As such, an AD converter may be implemented using the light source set 1000 instead of the actuator.
11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a 3-bit AD converter according to another embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the 3-bit AD converter of Fig. 11 is almost similar to that of the 4-bit AD converter of Fig. Therefore, the description of the same portions will be omitted.
On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 11, the 3-bit AD converter has three actuators A1, A2, and A3. The comparators also include a total of three (151, 152, 153). In addition, the stator has three rows S11 to S34, and has a total of seven stator rows.
Thus, a 3-bit AD converter may be implemented.
Although the AD converter is assumed to be 3-bit or 4-bit in the present embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to an AD converter having a different number of bits. For example, in the case of an n-bit AD converter, it may be implemented with n actuators, 2 n -1 stator, and n comparators. In addition, the AD converter outputting the gray code of Fig. 8 requires a smaller number of stators. In the case of FIG. 10, the n-bit AD converter requires a light source set including 2 n -1 light sources.
1 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an AD converter according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a flowchart provided in the description of the AD conversion method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a table summarizing output values of an AD converter according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a diagram illustrating an AD converter corresponding to a state of outputting a decimal value '3' according to an embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a diagram illustrating an AD converter corresponding to a state of outputting a decimal value '7' according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a diagram illustrating an AD converter corresponding to a state of outputting a decimal value '11' according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 illustrates the structure of an AD converter, such as the size of a stator located in the same row of actuators, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
8 shows a structure of an AD converter for outputting a gray code according to another embodiment of the present invention;
9 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an AD converter using an actuator including a light source according to another embodiment of the present invention;
10 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an AD converter using a light source set that outputs light according to an input voltage according to another embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a 3-bit AD converter according to another embodiment of the present invention.
101 to 104: First to fourth actuators (A1 to A4)
111 to 148: stator
150: Digital Signal Generation Unit
151 to 154: first to fourth comparators
170: first force application part 180: second force application part
At least one actuator moving according to an input voltage; And
And a digital signal generator for determining a digital output value according to the input voltage according to the arrangement of the stators and the position of the actuators,
The stator,
Wherein the stator arranged in the same row is the same size and is half the size of the stator arranged in the row that is one bit above the analog to digital converter.
Each of the stator includes:
And outputs a voltage corresponding to a logical value 1 when any one of the actuators is overlapped with a logic value of 0 when any one of the actuators is not overlapped.
And outputs a voltage according to a capacitance value formed by any one of the actuators.
The actuators comprising a light source,
Wherein the stator includes a photodetector and outputs a voltage depending on whether light output from the light source of the actuators is detected.
The actuators,
The AD converter being characterized in that it moves linearly according to the magnitude of the input voltage
Further comprising at least one force acting portion for moving the actuator by at least one of an electrostatic force, a piezo, a thermal force, and a magnetic force.
A first force acting portion of a fixed comb structure; And
And a second force acting portion of a comb-like structure connected to the actuators and to which the input voltage is applied and movable,
Wherein the actuators are moved by a force applied between the first force application portion and the second force application portion.
And the number of rows is equal to the number of bits of the digital output value.
(I is an integer between 1 and n) of the n rows is 2 &lt; i-1 &gt; .
Wherein the digital signal generating unit comprises:
And outputs a digital output value corresponding to a binary code value.
If a total of n rows are arranged, the first row of the n rows is arranged with one stator, and the number of stators arranged at the jth row (j is an integer between 2 and n) of the n rows is 2 j -2 &lt; / RTI &gt;
The size of the actuators is equal to the size of the stator disposed in the same row,
And outputs a digital output value corresponding to the gray code value.
The size of the actuators,
And the size of the stator placed in the same row.
The AD converter includes:
AD converters characterized in that they are parallel AD converters.
At least one light source emitting light according to an input voltage; And
And a digital signal generator for determining a digital output value according to the input voltage according to the arrangement of the stator and the light emitting position of the light sources,
Wherein the stator includes a photodetector and outputs a voltage depending on whether light output from the light sources is detected.
An input unit to which an input voltage is applied; And
And a digital signal generator for determining a digital output value according to the arrangement of the stator and the input voltage of the input unit,
Wherein the stator disposed in the same row is the same size and is half the size of the stator disposed in the row that is one bit above the analog to digital converter.
Providing at least one stator;
Applying an input voltage; And
Determining a digital output value according to the arrangement of the stators and the input voltage,
Wherein the stators disposed in the same row are the same in size and half of the size of the stator disposed in a row that is an upper bit of the analog to digital.
Moving at least one actuator according to the input voltage; Further comprising:
Wherein the digital output value according to the input voltage is determined according to the arrangement of the at least one stator and the position of the at least one actuator.
Outputting a voltage corresponding to a logical value 1 when the stators overlap with any one of the actuators and outputting a voltage corresponding to a logical value 0 when none of the at least one actuators is overlapped; Further comprising the steps of:
Further comprising: outputting a voltage according to a capacitance value formed by any one of the actuators of the stator.
Providing at least one light source that emits light according to the input voltage; Further comprising:
Wherein the digital output value according to the input voltage is determined according to the arrangement of the stator and the light emitting position of the light sources.
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