Comparator circuit
First Claim
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1. An analog-to-digital converter apparatus, comprising a comparator having first and second units, each of said units comprising:
- a capacitor connected to a first node and a second node;
a first switch means for connecting said first node to a selected one of an input voltage and a reference voltage;
an inverter having an input connected to said second node, and an output; and
a second switch means for connecting said output of said inverter to said second node of an other of said units.
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Abstract
A high speed analog-to-digital converter employs a comparator having first and second units cross coupled in a positive feedback loop. The units are alternately connected to an input voltage and a reference voltage, after which positive feedback is introduced established, and a differential output established. The arrangement is fully symmetric, and balanced and rejects common-mode switching noise.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An analog-to-digital converter apparatus, comprising a comparator having first and second units, each of said units comprising:
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a capacitor connected to a first node and a second node; a first switch means for connecting said first node to a selected one of an input voltage and a reference voltage; an inverter having an input connected to said second node, and an output; and a second switch means for connecting said output of said inverter to said second node of an other of said units. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A comparator having first and second units, each of said units comprising:
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a capacitor connected to a first node and a second node; a first switch means for connecting said first node to a selected one of an input voltage and a reference voltage; an inverter having an input connected to said second node, and an output; and a second switch means for connecting said output of said inverter to said second node of an other of said units. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of comparing two voltages, comprising in each of two associated units the steps of:
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connecting a capacitor to a first node and a second node; connecting an input of an inverter to said second node; in a first phase of operation; connecting said first node to a selected one of an input voltage and a reference voltage; in a second phase of operation; disconnecting said first node from said selected one of said input voltage and said reference voltage; and connecting said first node to another of said input voltage and said reference voltage; and in a third phase of operation; disconnecting said first node from said other of said input voltage and said reference voltage; and connecting said output of said inverter to said second node of an other of said associated units. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification