Patent ID: 8766844
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: G11C,H03M

Abstract:
1. A method for operating an analog-digital converter for converting an input signal into a multibit output in one conversion cycle, the method comprising the steps of: loading a capacitor array by applying a given input signal potential; evaluating a sampling potential provided by the capacitor array in a number of consecutive decision steps performed by at least two decision latches; and changing the sampling potential by switching the capacitor array for each decision step based on a result of the step of evaluating the sampling potential, wherein the step of evaluating at least one of the decision latches performs the evaluating for two decision steps; wherein the decision latches further comprise a bistable latch circuit with two branches including pull-up MOSFETs connected in series with cross-coupled pull-down MOSFETs, with the sampling potential applied to gate terminals of the pull-up MOSFETs, wherein source terminals of the pull-up MOSFETs are connected with a supply potential drain terminals of the pull-up MOSFETs are connected with drain terminals of the pull-down MOSFETs and form output nodes, and wherein source terminals of the pull-down MOSFETs are connected with a ground potential, and gates terminals of the pull-down MOSFETs are connected with the source terminals of the pull-down MOSFET of the respective other branch.