Single-stage folded cascode buffer amplifiers with analog comparators

A single-stage folded cascode buffer comprising:

• an amplifier comprising a first input terminal, a second input terminal, an output terminal, a first input differential pair, a second input differential pair, and a cascode output stage, the first input differential pair and the second input differential pair coupled to the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the amplifier, the cascode output stage coupled to the first input differential pair, the second input differential pair, and the output terminal of the amplifier, which is coupled to the second input terminal of the amplifier;
• a first analog comparator comprising a first input terminal, a second input terminal, an output terminal, a third input differential pair, and a first load stage, the third input differential pair coupled to the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the first analog comparator, and the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the amplifier, and the first load stage coupled to the third input differential pair and the output terminal of the first analog comparator;
• a second analog comparator comprising a first input terminal, a second input terminal, an output terminal, a fourth input differential pair, and a second load stage, the fourth input differential pair coupled to the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the second analog comparator, and the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the amplifier, and the second load stage coupled to the fourth input differential pair and the output terminal of the second analog comparator;
• a first transistor comprising a first terminal coupled to a positive supply terminal, a second terminal coupled to the output terminal of the first analog comparator, and a third terminal coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier;
• and
• a second transistor comprising a first terminal coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier, a second terminal coupled to the output terminal of the second analog comparator, and a third terminal coupled to a negative supply terminal.

A method for providing a single-stage folded cascode buffer, the method comprising:

• providing an amplifier having a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal, wherein the amplifier comprises a single-stage folded cascode amplifier;
• providing a first analog comparator comprising a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal;
• providing a second analog comparator comprising a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal;
• providing a first transistor comprising a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal;
• providing a second transistor comprising a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal;
• coupling the output terminal of the amplifier to the second input terminal of the amplifier;
• coupling the first input terminal of the first analog comparator and the first input terminal of the second analog comparator to the second input terminal of the amplifier;
• coupling the second input terminal of the first analog comparator and the second input terminal of the second analog comparator to the first input terminal of the amplifier;
• coupling the first terminal of the first transistor to a positive supply terminal, coupling the second terminal of the first transistor to the output terminal of the first analog comparator, and coupling the third terminal of the first transistor to the output terminal of the amplifier;
• and
• coupling the first terminal of the second transistor to the output terminal of the amplifier, coupling the second terminal of the second transistor to the output terminal of the second analog comparator, and coupling the third terminal of the second transistor to a negative supply terminal.