Latching comparator utilizing resonant tunneling diodes and associated method
US6252430A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K3/2885
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A latching comparator and associated method are disclosed that utilize resonant tunneling diodes, or other two-terminal devices possessing regions of negative differential operating resistance in their current-voltage characteristics, and Schottky diodes to provide high speed and reliable analog to digital conversions. In one embodiment, the latching comparator includes a differential amplifier, resonant tunneling diodes, and cross-coupled resistors. The latching comparator may include mode selection circuitry having a track mode signal and a latch mode signal as inputs. In addition, the latching comparator may include a plurality of Schottky diodes connected in series with the resonant tunneling diodes and the cross-coupled resistors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.