Patent ID: 6288666
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: H03K

Abstract:
A comparator comprising:differential amplifier having first and second inputs and first and second outputs;first switch to couple the first input to the first output through a low impedance path;second switch to couple the second input to the second output through a low impedance path;first storage device coupled to the first input at one end and to receive a first input signal at another end;second storage device coupled to the second input at one end and to receive, at another end, the first input signal during a first time interval and thereafter a second input signal to be compared with the first input signal; anda load coupled between the first and second outputs and a power node, the load includes a cross coupled pair of transistors to regeneratively drive the first and second outputs, and first and second bypass paths coupled between the first and second outputs, respectively, and the power node, the bypass paths to conduct in response to a control signal being asserted and thereby prevent the cross coupled pair from operating regeneratively.