Comparator with very fast regeneration time constant
US6597303B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/04166
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A comparator comprises a cross-coupled regenerative latch, a circuit connected to the cross-coupled regenerative latch and a clocking circuit. The cross-coupled regenerative latch regenerates, during a latching mode, a signal which is indicative of a difference between two input signals. The circuit connected to the cross-coupled regenerative latch operates as a voltage follower during an acquisition mode and as a cascode amplifier stage during the latching mode. The clocking circuit switches the comparator from the acquisition mode to the latching mode and vice versa. The comparator eliminates the extraneous loading from the positive feedback when the regeneration takes place, so that a very fast regeneration time constant is obtained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.