Apparatuses and methods for multiple-output comparators and analog-to-digital converters

A comparator for comparing two input signals, the comparator comprising:

• a first input line operably coupled to a first transistor;
• a second input line operably coupled with a second transistor;
• at least one positive current mirror configured to generate a plurality of positive output currents in response to a voltage difference of the first input line and the second input line;
• at least one negative current mirror configured to generate a plurality of negative output currents in response to the voltage difference;
• and
• a composite output that includes a summation of:
• at least one positive output current from the at least one positive current mirror;
• and
• at least one negative output current from the at least one negative current mirror.

A method for converting an analog signal to a digital signal, the method comprising:

• comparing an analog input signal with a plurality of voltage reference signals to generate a positive current outputs and a plurality of negative current outputs corresponding to individual comparators of a plurality of comparators;
• generating a plurality of primary output signals for each individual comparator of the plurality of comparators that includes a contribution from at least one positive current output and at least one negative current output corresponding to the individual comparator;
• and
• summing individual primary output signals corresponding to the individual comparators with at least one of another positive current output and another negative current output from another individual comparator of the plurality to generate a plurality of composite output signals.