Patent ID: 7307266
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: G11C,H03K

Abstract:
1. An optically clocked optoelectronic track and hold apparatus, comprising: a. a diode bridge comprising a first node, a second node, a third node, a fourth node and a plurality of diodes, wherein said plurality of diodes comprises: b. an input node, operatively coupled to said first node of said diode bridge, capable of receiving an analog input signal; c. a first current source, operatively coupled to said second node of said diode bridge and a second current source, operatively coupled to said third node of said diode bridge, and wherein said first and second current sources are capable of forward biasing said diode bridge; d. a first photodetector having a cathode operatively coupled to said second node and an anode operatively coupled to a negative potential node and a second photodetector having an anode operatively coupled to said third node and a cathode operatively coupled to a positive potential node, and wherein said first and second photodetectors are capable of receiving an optical input clocking signal, and capable of reverse biasing and forward biasing said diode bridge in response to said optical input clocking signal, wherein a photodetector of said first and second photodetectors comprises a short transit time photodiode and a long transit time photodiode in a parallel configuration; e. a hold capacitor, operatively coupled to said fourth node, capable of tracking said analog input signal when said diode bridge is forward biased, and capable of holding said analog input signal when said diode bridge switches from forward biased to reverse biased.