Patent ID: 6124745
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: G01R,H03K,H03L

Abstract:
A programmable time-delay circuit that generates an output pulse in response to an input pulse and delays the output pulse in response to a program signal, comprising:first and second capacitors that are charged to first and second voltages;a differential amplifier that generates said output pulse in response to said first and second voltages;a programmable current source that generates first, second and third currents with amplitudes that are responsive to said program signal wherein said first and second currents are respectively coupled to said first and second capacitors and said third current exceeds said first and second currents; anda differential pair of first and second transistors that are respectively coupled to said first and second capacitors with said differential pair arranged to steer said third current through either selected one of said first and second transistors in response to said input pulse;said first capacitor thereby charged in one direction by said first current and charged in another direction by a current that is the difference between said third current and said first current; andsaid second capacitor thereby charged in one direction by said second current and in another direction by a current that is the difference between said third current and said second current.