Low-noise switched-capacitor circuit

A method for processing a signal in a signal-processing circuit, the method comprising:

• applying an input value at an input terminal of an amplifier circuit;
• coupling a feedback capacitor in a negative-feedback configuration with the amplifier circuit during a first phase of operation, the amplifier circuit to charge the feedback capacitor and a load capacitor during the first phase of operation, the load capacitor coupled to the feedback capacitor;
• coupling a capacitor to the amplifier circuit during a second phase of operation, the amplifier circuit to charge the capacitor during the second phase of operation, wherein a quantity of charge shared by the feedback capacitor and the load capacitor is to be substantially constant during the second phase of operation;
• and
• producing an output value based on a first charge quantity on the load capacitor after the first phase of operation and a second charge quantity on the capacitor after the second phase of operation, wherein the first charge quantity on the load capacitor and the second charge quantity on the capacitor are based on the input value.

A signal-processing circuit, comprising:

• means for amplifying an input of the signal-processing circuit;
• a first means for storing charge to be coupled in a negative-feedback configuration with the means for amplifying during a first phase of operation;
• a second means for storing charge coupled to the first means for storing charge, wherein the means for amplifying is to charge the first means for storing charge and the second means for storing charge based on the input of the signal-processing circuit during the first phase of operation;
• and
• a third means for storing charge to be coupled to the means for amplifying during a second phase of operation, the means for amplifying to charge the third means for storing charge during the second phase of operation, wherein a quantity of charge shared by the first means for storing charge and the second means for storing charge is to be substantially constant during the second phase of operation, and wherein an output value of the signal-processing circuit is to be determined based on a first charge quantity on the second means for storing charge after the first phase of operation and a second charge quantity on the third means for storing charge after the second phase of operation.