Zero drift analog memory cell, array and method of operation
OwnerGeorge E. Gerpheideinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A zero-drift analog memory (ZDAM) cell that indefinitely maintains an output signal at a discrete voltage while the memory circuit is powered, wherein the memory circuit receives an input signal, passes the input signal to a storage element upon receiving an assertion signal, maintains an output signal at a level of the input signal when the assertion signal is removed, and utilizes a zero-drift transfer function feedback loop on the output signal to maintain the output signal. A memory array including a plurality of ZDAM cells and method of operation are also disclosed.
Claims37
A zero-drift analog memory cell, comprising:
- an input signal;
- a sample signal having sample and hold states;
- a tank for receiving the input signal and the sample signal and configured for generating and holding an output signal during the sample and hold states, respectively;
- and
- a zero-drift transfer function (ZDF) feedback loop disposed in parallel with the tank and configured to maintain the output signal at a desired analog signal level during the hold state.
A zero zero-drift analog memory array comprising a plurality of zero-drift and hold analog memory cells, each cell comprising:
- an input signal;
- a sample signal having sample and hold states;
- a tank for receiving the input signal and the sample signal and configured for generating and holding an output signal during the sample and hold states, respectively;
- and
- a zero-drift transfer function (ZDF) feedback loop disposed in parallel with the tank and configured to maintain the output signal at a desired analog signal level during the hold state.
A method for receiving an analog input signal and generating a stable analog output signal, said method comprising:
- providing a tank for sampling and holding the input signal, during sample and hold states, respectively;
- providing a zero-drift transfer function (ZDF) feedback loop in parallel with the tank circuit;
- sampling the input signal during the sample state to generate an output signal;
- and
- maintaining the output signal at a desired signal level by eliminating output signal drift using the ZDF feedback loop.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.