Window comparator and method of providing a window comparator function

US7157945B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Frank Ohnhauser · Stein, DE
• Mikael Badenius · Höchstadt an der Aisch, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 6, 2004
• Grant date: Jan 2, 2007
• Expiry date: May 11, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R19/1659
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A window comparator comprising a single comparator circuit that has a positive input, a differential negative input, and an output, wherein limits of a window are defined by a reference voltage and a window condition is defined for a differential voltage between a positive input voltage and a negative input voltage so that the differential voltage is within the limits of the window; including a common mode voltage, a first set of two switched capacitors connected to the positive comparator input, a second set of two switched capacitors connected to the negative comparator input, a switching array capable of assuming a plurality of different switching conditions, and detecting the output of the comparator in relation to the switching conditions of the switching array.