METHOD FOR OPERATING A COMPARATOR AND A PRE-AMPLIFIER OF AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, WHICH PRE-AMPLIFIER IS CONNECTED IN SERIES TO THE COMPARATOR, AS WELL AS AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING A COMPARATOR AND A PRE-AMPLIFIER WHICH IS CONNECTED IN SERIES TO THE COMPARATOR
US6762628B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2203/45728
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for operating a comparator (10) and a pre-amplifier (20) of an integrated circuit, which pre-amplifier is connected in series to the comparator, wherein the comparator (10) is operated with clock pulses in order to compare comparator input signals at periodical decision points (t2), wherein the pre-amplifier (20) is operated with clock pulses so as, in amplification phases (t1 to t2) which precede the decision points (t2), to amplify a signal (IN) which has been input to the pre-amplifier, and to provide the amplified signal (OUT) as a comparator input signal, and so as, in reset phases (t0 to t1) which precede the amplification phases (t1 to t2), to reset the amplification (G) to a minimum value. According to the invention, the pre-amplifier (20) is operated such that its amplification (G) during a rise phase within the amplification phase (t1 to t2) rises gradually and uniformly from the minimum value to a maximum value. The invention thus makes possible operation of the pre-amplifier with low current consumption and yet with an output signal which ensures that the comparator makes a reliable decision.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.