Flash analog-to-digital converter

Abstract

A differential input flash analog-to-digital converter in which an array of comparators is connected to compare reference signals within a parabolic distribution of such signals generated by the application of a differential input signal across an impedance network. Preferably, the comparator array comprises at least two pluralities of comparators, the first plurality of comparators comparing pairs of reference nodes separated by a first step size, and the second plurality of comparators comparing pairs of reference nodes separated by a second step size. Even more preferably, the comparator array further comprises a third plurality of comparators comparing pairs of reference nodes separated by a third step size, but only where necessary to maximize the available comparison range of the converter. The flash converter according to the invention provides increased gain from input without accumulation of comparator input currents and without sacrificing the number of actual comparisons of reference signals.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.