Comparator with self-limiting positive feedback

A comparator circuit comprising:

• an amplifier configured to compare a first input signal with a second input signal and to generate an output signal with reference to the comparison;
• a non-linear function having a single output only, the non-linear function being configured to receive each output signal generated by the amplifier and generate only a single output signal for the comparator circuit at the single output of the non-linear function;
• and
• a feedback loop having a MOSFET transistor with a gate, a source, and a drain, the gate being operably connected to the single output of the non-linear function and to a second input of the non-linear function the feedback loop including a feedback limiting circuit having a capacitor connected in series between the second input to the non-linear function and the source of the MOSFET transistor, but not connected to the single output of the non-linear function, the capacitor of the feedback limiting circuit being configured to attenuate a feedback signal generated by the MOSFET transistor that is operably connected to the second input of the non-linear function during a transition of the output of the amplifier.

A method of controlling feedback in a comparator circuit comprising:

• establishing a first output condition at an output terminal of a comparator circuit having only one output terminal;
• determining that a first input signal to the comparator circuit has a value greater than a value of a second input signal to the comparator circuit;
• generating with a transistor operably connected to the only one output terminal of the comparator circuit a positive feedback signal in response to the determination that the first input signal is greater than the second input signal;
• attenuating the positive feedback signal during a transition of the output terminal from the first output condition by charging a capacitor that is electrically connected to the transistor and not directly coupled to the output terminal of the comparator circuit, the capacitor being within a positive feedback loop and being charged with a current flowing through the transistor;
• and
• achieving a second output condition at the output terminal of the comparator circuit using the attenuated positive feedback signal.

A comparator circuit comprising:

• a single output only;
• a positive feedback circuit including a MOSFET with a gate operably connected to the single output and one of a source and a drain of the MOSFET operably connected to an input to a non-linear function that generates a signal on the single output;
• and
• a capacitor connected in series between electrical ground and the drain of the MOSFET and not in direct electrical communication with the single output, the capacitor configured to attenuate the positive feedback signal provided by the MOSFET of the positive feedback circuit to the non-linear function during a transition of an output signal on the single output.

A comparator circuit comprising:

• a single output only;
• a positive feedback circuit including a MOSFET with a gate operably connected to the single output and one of a source and a drain of the MOSFET operably connected to an input to a non-linear function that generates a signal on the single output;
• and
• a capacitor connected in series between the input to the non-linear function and the source of the MOSFET and not in direct electrical communication with the single output, the capacitor configured to attenuate the positive feedback signal provided by the MOSFET of the positive feedback circuit to the non-linear function during a transition of an output signal on the single output.