Track-and-hold circuit utilizing a negative of the input signal for tracking
AssigneeOregon State University
InventorsGabor Charles Temes, Yunteng Huang, Paul Francis Ferguson, Jr.
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Abstract
A track-and-hold circuit that utilizes the negative of the input signal to improve tracking of the input signal during the track mode. By applying the negative of the input signal to an amplifier node to which the output signal is coupled, the output signal is forced to track the input signal in magnitude and polarity. Single-ended and fully differential embodiments of the circuit are disclosed, as well as embodiments using an operational amplifier and a cascode inverter amplifier. An improved switching scheme reduces delay in the transition from the hold mode to the track mode. A sample-and-hold circuit may be constructed from a pair of the track-and-hold circuits.
Claims18
A track-and-hold circuit switchable between a track mode of operation wherein an output signal tracks an input signal and a hold mode of operation wherein the output signal holds its value, comprising:
- an amplifier;
- means for applying a negative of the input signal to the amplifier to produce an output signal that tracks the input signal during the track mode;
- a storage device for storing the input signal during the track mode;
- and
- means for providing the stored input signal as the output signal during the hold mode, thereby producing an output signal that holds its value.
A track-and-hold circuit switchable between a track mode of operation wherein an output signal tracks an input signal and a hold mode of operation wherein the output signal holds its value, comprising:
- an amplifier having at least one input node and at least one output node;
- first and second signal paths for combining the input signal and its negative at an input node of the amplifier during the track mode;
- a third signal path connecting the input node to an output node of the amplifier during the track mode to produce an output signal that tracks the input signal;
- a storage device for storing the input signal during the track mode;
- and
- a fourth signal path for coupling the storage device to the output node of the amplifier during the hold mode to provide the stored input signal as the output signal.
A track-and-hold circuit switchable between a track mode of operation wherein an output signal tracks an input signal and a hold mode of operation wherein the output signal holds its value, comprising:
- an amplifier have at least one input node and at least one output node;
- a first signal path for applying a negative of the input signal to an input node of the amplifier;
- a second signal path for connecting the input node to an output node of the amplifier during the track mode to produce an output signal that tracks the input signal;
- a storage device for storing the input signal during the track mode;
- and
- another signal path for coupling the storage device to the output node of the amplifier during the hold mode to provide the stored input signal as the output signal.
In a track-and-hold circuit that includes an amplifier, a method for switching between a track mode of operation wherein an output signal tracks an input signal and a hold mode of operation wherein the output signal holds its value, comprising:
- applying a negative of the signal to the amplifier to produce an output signal that tracks the input signal during the track mode;
- storing the input signal during the track mode;
- and
- providing the stored input signal as the output signal during the hold mode, thereby producing an output signal that holds its value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.