Dynamic current source for zero-crossing amplifier units for use in high-speed communication circuits
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsLukas Kull, Thomas Toifl
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Abstract
A zero-crossing amplifier unit for use in high speed analog-digital-converters. A gain stage compares a sampling voltage at an input node with a provided threshold voltage to obtain a gain stage output signal. A voltage controlled current source provides a load current depending on a time window between an initial slope and an end slope of the gain stage output signal. A slope control means increases a duration of a rise and/or fall time of at least one of the initial and end slopes of the gain stage output signal.
Claims9
A zero-crossing amplifier unit for use in high speed analog-digital-converters, comprising:
- a gain stage for comparing a sampling voltage at an input node with a provided threshold voltage to obtain a gain stage output signal;
- a voltage controlled current source that provides a load current depending on a time window between an initial slope and an end slope of the gain stage output signal;
- and
- a slope control means to increase a duration of a rise and/or fall time of at least one of the initial and end slopes of the gain stage output signal.
A method for operating a zero-crossing amplifier unit for use in high speed analog-digital-converters, comprising:
- comparing a sampling voltage at an input node with a provided threshold voltage to obtain a gain stage output signal;
- providing a load current depending on a time window between an initial slope and an end slope of the gain stage output signal whereby a load capacitance at an output node is loaded by the load current;
- and
- increasing a duration of a rise and/or fall time of at least one of the initial slope and end slope of the gain stage output signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.