TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Waveform averaging techniques for non-correlated noise in interleaved ADC sample cores

Opportunity:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its Waveform averaging techniques for non-correlated noise in interleaved ADC sample cores.

Background:

While digital waveform averaging is effective at reducing uncorrelated error, it cannot distinguish the common waveform of interest from correlated errors, i.e., noise and distortion that is common across all waveforms. One source of correlated error can arise in the digitization process itself because of non-idealities in the sample interleaving process used in high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Sample interleaving is a widely used technique to achieve high-sample rate digitization by employing multiple sub-sample rate ADC cores in parallel, but this can result in unwanted correlated errors in the waveform.

Description:

This LLNL invention introduces a technique for optimally detuning the ADC and signal clocks while maintaining synchronization between the two to manage correlated errors in waveform processing. This technique maintains synchronization between the two clocks, but with optimal detuning applied the interleaving artifacts are maximally decorrelated across waveforms and thus suppressed with averaging.

Advantages/Benefits: 

By maintaining synchronization of the ADC and signal clocks, we can keep the associated benefits of lower trigger jitter during initiation of the waveform signal and ensure consistent sampling points compared to other ADC methods

Potential Applications: 

Novel high accuracy oscilloscopes, high fidelity signal processing equipment for laser waveform optimization, general high fidelity signal processing in telecommunications equipment

Development Status: 

Current stage of technology development: TRL ☐ 0-2     ☒ 3-5     ☐ 5-9

LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention.

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Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Note:  THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.  Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Waveform averaging techniques for non-correlated noise in interleaved ADC sample cores should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following:

1. Company Name and address.
2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.
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Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Innovation and Partnerships Office

P.O. Box 808, L-779

Livermore, CA  94551-0808

Attention: IL-13987