Abstract:
According to one embodiment of the invention, a summing circuit comprises a first transmitter, a second transmitter, a first current offset circuit and a first transconductance amplifier. The first current offset circuit is coupled to the emitters of the first and second transistors. The first transconductance amplifier is coupled to the first current offset circuit.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment of the invention, a programmable finite impulse response (FIR) filter is implemented with differential isolation circuits to isolate parasitic capacitance from attenuating an output signal at both a first and second differential output terminals of the FIR filter. The FIR includes a track and hold circuit and a summing circuit that provides operational advantages to the FIR filter.
Abstract:
A subtraction circuit. The novel subtraction circuit includes a first circuit for providing an impedance between an input node and an output node, a second circuit for generating a first current and applying the first current to the output node to produce a desired voltage drop between the input and output nodes, and a third circuit for independently generating a second current relative to the first current and applying the second current to the input node to regulate a current input to the first circuit at the input node. The second and third circuits are implemented using two digital to analog converters (DACs), a precision DAC for generating the first current and a non-trimmed “dummy” DAC for generating the second current. In an illustrative embodiment, the subtraction circuit is used in the reconstruction stage of a subranging analog to digital converter.
Abstract:
A sample and hold circuit including a first arrangement for receiving an input signal; a second arrangement for sampling and holding the signal in response to a control signal; and a third arrangement for minimizing the change in an input transistor's base current when the circuit switches from track to hold or hold to track and for keeping the collector emitter voltage constant at the input transistor. An arrangement is disclosed to increase the dynamic current accuracy of a current mirror for a diode connected transistor, by holding the voltage across one transistor in the current mirror constant. Another arrangement is disclosed for holding collector to emitter voltage constant for intermediate transistors resulting in improved gain accuracy and linearity. In one embodiment, a dummy leg is added to isolate the output voltage from switching transients that occur when an intermediate transistor is turned on at the transition from track to hold.
Abstract:
A multi-mode analog to, digital converter (ADC). The novel ADC includes an input terminal for receiving an analog input signal; a plurality of processing stages, each processing stage adapted to generate an output signal from an input to that processing stage; and a mechanism for determining a mode of operation and in accordance therewith connect the processing stages and the input terminal in a predetermined configuration. In an illustrative embodiment, the ADC can be configured as a subranging ADC, and the mechanism for determining, the mode of operation includes a signal processor for automatically selecting the mode of operation based on the frequency components of the input signal.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment of the invention, a programmable finite impulse response (FIR) filter is implemented with differential isolation circuits to isolate parasitic capacitance from attenuating an output signal at both first and second differential output terminals of the FIR filter. The FIR includes a track and hold circuit and a summing circuit that provides operational advantages to the FIR filter.
Abstract:
An output driver. The novel output driver includes a first circuit for receiving an input signal and in accordance therewith generating an output signal at an output node, a second circuit for applying a variable current to the output node, and a third circuit for controlling the magnitude of the variable current in accordance with the input signal. In an illustrative embodiment, the third circuit is adapted to generate a controlling current in accordance with the input signal, and the second circuit includes a current mirror adapted to receive the controlling current and output a scaled version of the controlling current to the output node.
Abstract:
An amplifier. The novel amplifier includes a first circuit for receiving and amplifying an input signal and outputting an output signal, and a second circuit for supplying power to the first circuit, wherein the power supplied varies in accordance with variations in the output signal. The second circuit includes a bootstrapping circuit adapted to regulate the voltages across any transistors in the signal path such that the voltages remain constant. In an illustrative embodiment, the second circuit bootstraps the voltages across a PMOS current source that acts as the load to an input stage, as well as a Darlington pair in an output stage of the amplifier.
Abstract:
A high speed switch. The novel switch includes an input circuit having a transistor Q1 for receiving an input signal, a first mechanism for providing a path from an output of Q1 to an output terminal, and a second mechanism for receiving a control signal and in accordance therewith reducing the conductivity of the path during a mute mode. The first mechanism includes a first circuit for providing a first path from an output of Q1 to a first node, and a second circuit for providing a second path connecting the first node to the output terminal. The second mechanism is adapted to apply a signal to the first node during the mute mode such that the first and second circuits are off or partially conducting. The switch also includes a circuit for clamping the first node to a first predetermined voltage during the mute mode.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment of the invention, a programmable finite impulse response (FIR) filter is implemented with differential isolation circuits to isolate parasitic capacitance from attenuating an output signal at both a first and second differential output terminals of the FIR filter. The FIR includes a summing circuit that provides operational advantages to the FIR filter.