Patent ID: 6621442
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: H03M

Abstract:
A machine used in an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, comprising:a. a first analog input b. a first piece-wise non-linear analog reference waveform having a first piece-wise non-linear waveform segment during a first conversion cycle c. a first counter providing a first count sequence during said first conversion cycle d. means for comparing said first analog input to said first piece-wise non-linear waveform segment during said first conversion cycle, producing a first comparison result e. means for recording the value of a member of said first count sequence as a first recorded count value which during said first conversion cycle on the basis of said first comparison result f. means for digitally processing said first recorded count value to provide a first corrected count value on the basis of information about said first piece-wise non-linear waveform segment whereby, for instance, said first corrected count value could reflect a linear mapping between possible values of said first analog input and possible values of said first count sequence without having to generate a piece-wise linear analog reference waveform.