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US 6,833,800 B1Granted
Differential comparator systems with enhanced dynamic range
AssigneeAnalog Devices, Inc.
InventorGregory Wayne Patterson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Comparator systems are provided that substantially enhance comparator dynamic range. The enhancement is primarily realized by arranging the systems to apply comparator input signals at feedback taps positioned between the upper and lower ends of comparator strings of impedance elements.
Claims20
A differential comparator system, comprising:
- first and second strings each formed with at least one impedance element;
- at least one current source coupled to a first end of at least one of said first and second strings;
- at least one comparator coupled to provide a comparator output signal in response to signals at first and second string taps that are respectively positioned along said first and second strings;
- and
- first and second differential amplifiers that have first input terminals which together define a differential input port, that have second input terminals that are each coupled through a respective feedback path to a feedback tap positioned between the first and second ends of a respective one of said first and second strings, and that are each coupled to drive a second end of a respective one of said first and second strings;
- said system thus providing a comparator output signal in response to input signals at said differential input port.
3 more elements
An analog-to-digital converter, comprising:
- first and second strings each formed with at least one impedance element;
- at least one current source coupled to a first end of at least one of said first and second strings;
- at least one comparator coupled to provide a comparator output signal in response to signals at first and second string taps that are respectively positioned along said first and second strings;
- first and second differential amplifiers that have first input terminals which together define a differential input port, that have second input terminals that are each coupled through a respective feedback path to a feedback tap positioned between the first and second ends of a respective one of said first and second strings, and that are each coupled to drive a second end of a respective one of said first and second strings;
- and
- a decoder coupled to provide an output digital code in response to said comparator output signal;
- said converter thus providing an output digital code in response to input signals at said differential input port.
4 more elements
A gain-controlled receiver that provides a digital output signal in response to an analog input signal, comprising:
- an amplifier that processes said analog input signal to a level-controlled signal with a gain that varies in response to a feedback signal;
- a mixer that provides a downconverted signal in response to said level-controlled signal;
- an analog-to-digital converter that converts said downconverted signal to said digital output signal;
- a differential comparator system that provides an out-of-range signal when said downconverted signal exceeds a predetermined range;
- and
- a processor that provides said feedback signal in response to said digital output signal in the absence of said out-of-range signal, and in response to the presence of said out-of-range signal, provides said feedback signal as an overdrive protection signal for said amplifier to said out-of-range signal,
- wherein said comparator system includes:
- a) first and second strings each formed with at least one impedance element;
- b) at least one current source coupled to a first end of at least one of said first and second strings;
- c) at least one comparator coupled to provide said out-of-range signal in response to signals at first and second string taps that are respectively positioned along said first and second strings;
- and
- d) first and second differential amplifiers that have first input terminals coupled to receive said downconverted signal, that have second input terminals that are each coupled through a respective feedback path to a feedback tap positioned between the first and second ends of a respective one of said first and second strings, and that are each coupled to drive a second end of a respective one of said first and second strings.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.