Differential circuits with adjustable propagation timing

US5999028A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Hewlett-Packard Company, L.P. · US

Inventors

• Ulrich Knoch · Eppelheim, DE
• Thorsten Krueger · Niehagen, DE
• Barbara J. Duffner · Fort Collins, US
• Ronnie E. Owens · Fort Collins, US
• Charles E. Moore · Loveland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 22, 1997
• Grant date: Dec 7, 1999
• Expiry date: Dec 22, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H03F2203/45702
• WIPO field: Basic communication processes
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Described is a circuit for receiving a differential input signal at two substantially symmetrically built up current paths and for providing an output signal therefrom. At least one current path comprises means for adjusting the timing information of the input signal to the timing information of the output signal. The adjustment can be accomplished by modifying a voltage level in the respective current path until the timing information of the output signals at least substantially represents the timing information of the input signal, e.g. by modifying an impedance or a current in the respective current path. The adjusting of the timing information is executed by applying a defined input signal with a known timing information, comparing the timing information of the resulting output signal with the timing information of the input signal, and modifying at least one voltage level in at least one of the current paths until the timing information of the output and input signals at least substantially match.