Analog-to-digital conversion
US9041581B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/56
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An analog-to-digital conversion apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of analog-to-digital converters 30 and a ramp generator 20. Each of the analog-to-digital converters 30 comprises an analog signal input for receiving an analog signal level and a ramp signal input. A control stage is arranged to compare the ramp signal with the analog signal level and, based on the comparison, to enable a counter provided at the analog-to-digital converter or to latch a digital value received from a counter. The control stage comprises a comparator in the form of a first differential amplifier with a first branch connected to the input for receiving the ramp signal, a second branch connected to the analog signal input and an output, and a biasing current source for biasing the first differential amplifier. A feedback circuit controls the biasing current source. The feedback circuit comprises a second differential amplifier OP1 with a first input connected to a node 46 on the first branch and a second input connected to a reference voltage VB such that the node on the first branch is maintained at a substantially constant voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.