An Amplifier-Less Acquisition Chain for Power Measurements in Series Resonant Inverters.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Signal Processing
• Power Electronics

Background:

• Successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) typically require driver amplifiers for optimal performance.
• The absence of a driver amplifier significantly limits conversion speed due to settling time constraints.
• Reducing component count in acquisition chains is desirable for cost, size, and power efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a digital correction method for SAR ADCs that compensates for the lack of a driver amplifier.
• To enhance both conversion speed and accuracy in data acquisition systems without driver amplifiers.
• To enable cost-effective and compact conditioning circuits for applications like induction heating.

Main Methods:

• A novel digital correction algorithm is developed to address settling time limitations.
• The proposed method is integrated into a measurement system for a series resonant inverter.
• Performance evaluation focuses on conversion speed and accuracy metrics.

Main Results:

• The digital correction method effectively mitigates the performance penalties associated with omitting a driver amplifier.
• Achieved improvements in conversion speed and/or accuracy are demonstrated.
• The method allows for reduced system complexity and cost.

Conclusions:

• A simple digital correction technique can significantly improve SAR ADC performance without a driver amplifier.
• This method offers a viable solution for cost-sensitive applications, such as domestic induction heating power measurement.
• The findings contribute to the design of more efficient and economical data acquisition systems.