Method and circuit for down-converting a signal using a complementary FET structure for improved dynamic range

A method of down-converting a first signal to produce a lower frequency second signal, comprising the steps of:

• (1) sampling said first signal to transfer energy therefrom using a complementary field effect transistor (FET) structure, wherein said FET structure is controlled to perform said sampling using pulses of a control signal, wherein at least a portion of said FET structure conducts during each said pulse of said control signal provided that said first signal is within a voltage range;
• and
• (2) storing said transferred energy, wherein said stored energy forms said second signal;
• wherein said transfer of energy from said first signal substantially prevents accurate voltage reproduction of the first signal during apertures of said control signal.

A circuit for down-converting a first signal to produce a lower frequency second signal, comprising:

• a control signal generator that outputs a control signal;
• a complementary field effect transistor (FET) structure, wherein said FET structure is controlled using said control signal, wherein said FET structure comprises an n-channel FET having a source, gate, and drain, and also comprises a p-channel FET having a source, gate, and drain, wherein said sources of said n-channel and p-channel FETS are electrically coupled to each other, and said drains of said n-channel and p-channel FETS are electrically coupled to each other, and said first signal is electrically coupled to said sources of said p-channel and n-channel FETs;
• and
• at least one capacitor electrically coupled to said complementary FET structure:
• wherein substantial energy is transferred from the input signal to the at least one capacitor.