Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a continuous-time delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes: a continuous-time loop filter having an input coupled to an input of the continuous-time delta-sigma ADC; a multi-bit quantizer coupled to an output of the continuous-time loop filter; a 1-bit or 1.5 bit digital delta-sigma modulator having an input coupled to an output of the multi-bit quantizer and an output coupled to an input of the continuous-time loop filter; and a multi-bit digital delta-sigma modulator configured to requantize quantization error of the 1-bit or 1.5-bit digital delta-sigma modulator and having an output coupled to the input of the continuous-time loop filter and to an input of the 1-bit or 1.5-bit digital delta-sigma modulator.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for digital-to-analog conversion includes: mapping a uniformly distributed input code to a non-uniformly distributed input code of a switched capacitor digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the non-uniformly distributed input code including a most significant code (MSC) and a least significant code (LSC); transferring a first charge from a set of DAC capacitors to a charge accumulator based on the MSC; forming a second charge based on the LSC; and transferring the second charge from the set of DAC capacitors to the charge accumulator, where each capacitor of the set of DAC capacitors is used for each value of the non-uniformly distributed input code, each capacitor of the set of DAC capacitors provides a same corresponding nominal charge within each value of the non-uniformly distributed input code, and where the same nominal charge is proportional to a value of the non-uniformly distributed input code.

Abstract: A neuroimplant for the brain region is provided. The neuroimplant has at least one detection section for detecting signals from the brain region, an electrode section having at least one electrode which can be coupled to the detection section and can be arranged in the brain region and is designed for electrically contacting the brain region, at least one digitization section for generating at least one digital data stream from the signals detected by the at least one detection section, where the at least one data stream in each case includes a sequence of data points, and a data reduction section which is designed to discard data points in the sequence of data points from the at least one data stream according to a predetermined scheme.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a delta-sigma modulator includes: an analog loop filter comprising an outer portion and an inner portion having an input coupled to the outer portion; a quantizer coupled to an output of the inner portion of the analog loop filter; an outer feedback path coupled between an output of the quantizer and an input to the outer portion of the analog loop filter; and a compensation filter coupled between an output of the quantizer and an input of the inner portion of the analog loop filter. The compensation filter has a transfer function configured to correct for an effect of excess loop delay (ELD) on the delta-sigma modulator.

Abstract: A neural implant for a brain area is provided. The neural implant has at least one stimulation section for generating stimulation signals for the brain area, an electrode section with at least one electrode, which is coupled to the stimulation section via a DC connection and can be arranged in the brain area and is designed to apply the stimulation signals to the brain area, and at least one first protection structure section, which is designed to monitor the stimulation section. The first protection structure section is powered by a first energy supply and the protective structure section is powered by a second energy supply, and the first energy supply is galvanically isolated from the second energy supply.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a delta-sigma modulator includes: an analog loop filter comprising an outer portion and an inner portion having an input coupled to the outer portion; a quantizer coupled to an output of the inner portion of the analog loop filter; an outer feedback path coupled between an output of the quantizer and an input to the outer portion of the analog loop filter; and a compensation filter coupled between an output of the quantizer and an input of the inner portion of the analog loop filter. The compensation filter has a transfer function configured to correct for an effect of excess loop delay (ELD) on the delta-sigma modulator.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for digital-to-analog conversion includes: mapping a uniformly distributed input code to a non-uniformly distributed input code of a switched capacitor digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the non-uniformly distributed input code including a most significant code (MSC) and a least significant code (LSC); transferring a first charge from a set of DAC capacitors to a charge accumulator based on the MSC; forming a second charge based on the LSC; and transferring the second charge from the set of DAC capacitors to the charge accumulator, where each capacitor of the set of DAC capacitors is used for each value of the non-uniformly distributed input code, each capacitor of the set of DAC capacitors provides a same corresponding nominal charge within each value of the non-uniformly distributed input code, and where the same nominal charge is proportional to a value of the non-uniformly distributed input code.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for digital-to-analog conversion includes: mapping a uniformly distributed input code to a non-uniformly distributed input code of a switched capacitor digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the non-uniformly distributed input code including a most significant code (MSC) and a least significant code (LSC); transferring a first charge from a set of DAC capacitors to a charge accumulator based on the MSC; forming a second charge based on the LSC; and transferring the second charge from the set of DAC capacitors to the charge accumulator, where each capacitor of the set of DAC capacitors is used for each value of the non-uniformly distributed input code, each capacitor of the set of DAC capacitors provides a same corresponding nominal charge within each value of the non-uniformly distributed input code, and where the same nominal charge is proportional to a value of the non-uniformly distributed input code.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for digital-to-analog conversion includes: mapping a uniformly distributed input code to a non-uniformly distributed input code of a switched capacitor digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the non-uniformly distributed input code including a most significant code (MSC) and a least significant code (LSC); transferring a first charge from a set of DAC capacitors to a charge accumulator based on the MSC; forming a second charge based on the LSC; and transferring the second charge from the set of DAC capacitors to the charge accumulator, where each capacitor of the set of DAC capacitors is used for each value of the non-uniformly distributed input code, each capacitor of the set of DAC capacitors provides a same corresponding nominal charge within each value of the non-uniformly distributed input code, and where the same nominal charge is proportional to a value of the non-uniformly distributed input code.

Abstract: A device for generating and detecting a magnetization of a sample includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a static magnetic field of a predetermined direction and strength at a sample location, a transmitter configured to provide an additional magnetic field at the sample location, and a receiver configured to detect a magnetization of the sample. An assembly of at least two LC oscillators, the oscillation frequency of which is a function of a value of an inductive element of the LC oscillators and which are frequency-synchronized via a wiring, and forced by a control voltage to have a same oscillation frequency, is used as the receiver and/or the transmitter. A controller configured to control the assembly is connected, the assembly and the controller are configured to generate a magnetic field capable of deflecting a magnetization of the sample out of equilibrium.

Abstract: A device for generating and detecting magnetization of a sample includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a static magnetic field of a predetermined direction and strength at a sample location, a transmitter configured to provide an additional magnetic field at the sample location, and a receiver configured to detect a magnetization of the sample. An assembly of at least two LC oscillators, the oscillation frequency of which is a function of a value of an inductive element of the LC oscillators and which are frequency-synchronized via a wiring, and forced by a control voltage to have a same oscillation frequency, is used as the receiver and/or the transmitter. A controller configured to control the assembly is connected, the assembly and the controller are configured to generate a magnetic field capable of deflecting a magnetization of the sample out of equilibrium.

Abstract: A device for stimulating living tissue or nerves by individual or repeated stimulating pulses via stimulating electrodes which stimulate living tissue or nerves by stimulating pulses includes an electrical circuit which regulates the electric voltage or charge on the stimulating electrodes as a function of the electric voltage between the stimulating electrodes and reduces or equalises imbalances of electric charges on the stimulating electrodes. This device is capable of equalizing the electric charge on the stimulating electrodes of a stimulation system. The device and the process for using the device have the advantage that imbalances of electric charges on the stimulating electrodes, and the associated disadvantageous effects on the tissue and on the nerves, are avoided or eliminated. Furthermore, the device has a small space requirement.

Abstract: A device for stimulating living tissue or nerves by individual or repeated stimulating pulses via stimulating electrodes which stimulate living tissue or nerves by stimulating pulses includes an electrical circuit which regulates the electric voltage or charge on the stimulating electrodes as a function of the electric voltage between the stimulating electrodes and reduces or equalises imbalances of electric charges on the stimulating electrodes. This device is capable of equalizing the electric charge on the stimulating electrodes of a stimulation system. The device and the process for using the device have the advantage that imbalances of electric charges on the stimulating electrodes, and the associated disadvantageous effects on the tissue and on the nerves, are avoided or eliminated. Furthermore, the device has a small space requirement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled current source having a control input, in particular for digital/analogue converters in continuous-time sigma/delta modulators, having a current source (4) with a control input which generates an output current dependent on a control voltage applied to the control input, and having a controller (7) for converting a clock signal into a voltage signal, with the controller (7) being connected to the current source (4) in such a manner that the voltage signal is applied as a control voltage to the control input of the current source (4). The controller is designed to is designed to convert the clock signal into a voltage signal which has within a clock duration a reproducible curve ending with a falling flank. Using the present controlled current source in a digital/analogue converter in a feedback branch of a continuous-time sigma/delta modulator permits realizing a sigma/delta modulator which is essentially insensitive to clock jitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled current source having a control input, in particular for digital/analogue converters in continuous-time sigma/delta modulators, having a current source (4) with a control input which generates an output current dependent on a control voltage applied to the control input, and having a controller (7) for converting a clock signal into a voltage signal, with the controller (7) being connected to the current source (4) in such a manner that the voltage signal is applied as a control voltage to the control input of the current source (4). The controller is designed to is designed to convert the clock signal into a voltage signal which has within a clock duration a reproducible curve ending with a falling flank. Using the present controlled current source in a digital/analogue converter in a feedback branch of a continuous-time sigma/delta modulator permits realizing a sigma/delta modulator which is essentially insensitive to clock jitter.