Analog-to-digital converter circuits and methods using superconductive elements
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Company
InventorHerbert L Ko
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to dynamically adjusting the threshold of a magnetic flux sensitive comparator to permit matching of circuit elements for use in A/D converters. For example, comparator threshold variations can be adjusted or programmed to compensate for variations in device components such as resistors. By overcoming parameter matching problems, superconductive A/D converters designed in accordance with the present invention can provide relatively high bandwidth and sampling rates.
Claims14
An apparatus for converting an analog input signal to a digital signal comprising:
- input means for inputting an analog signal;
- comparator means for comparing the analog signal with at least one predetermined threshold, said comparator means including first means for quantizing flux;
- output means for outputting a digital signal proportional to a value of said analog value in response to said comparison;
- feedback means for compensating variations in the comparator means;
- and
- feedback enabling means for selectively enabling said feedback means to establish an equilibrium state within said comparator means.
A method for controlling an A/D converter comprising the steps of:
- supplying a DC reference voltage to each of a plurality of comparators;
- supplying an AC reference signal to each of said plurality of comparators;
- and
- sequentially gating a feedback signal to each of said plurality of comparators to establish a stored flux equilibrium state in said each of said comparators wherein said AC reference signal is reduced by a predetermined amount to establish the stored flux equilibrium state in each of said plurality of comparators.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.