Patent ID: 7071862
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: H03M

Abstract:
1. A converter for converting an input analog signal into a digital value, the converter comprising, a sample and hold circuit for sampling and holding the input analog signal and for providing a sampled analog signal, a comparator for comparing the sampled analog signal to a stair-step signal during a stair-stepping period and for generating a quantization signal at the end of the stair-stepping period when the sampled analog signal is equal to the stair-step signal, a transmission line for generating the stair-step signal by reflections from opposing near and far ends of the transmission line, each step of the stair-step signal having a step period, the stair-step signal generated during the stair-stepping period, a current source for driving the transmission line for generating the reflections, and a logic circuit for receiving the quantization signal and for time measuring the stair-stepping period as the digital value.