A phase detection method comprising: sampling (13, 14, 15, 16) an input signal (51, 91, 111) for obtaining several samples (1, 2, 3) at different points in time being defined by a clock; outputting (17, 18, 19, 20) a phase control signal (4, 5) obtained from said several samples (1, 2, 3); said phase control signal (4, 5) may be zero, positive or negative; characterized by: classifying the slope of a transition into one out of two categories, if a transition in the input signal between the earliest and latest point of said different points in time is detected; the two categories being a falling or a rising slope; performing a rising phase detection method (52; 69; 93, 94), including advancing the clock received at a clock input terminal by a controllable phase angle thereby obtaining an advanced clock, said advanced clock defining said different points in time of said rising phase detection method (52; 69; 93, 94); and outputting a zero phase control signal, if a falling slope is detected; or outputting a non-zero phase control signal, if a rising slope is detected and the rising slope is at least one of early or late compared to said clock; and performing a falling phase detection method (55; 70; 96, 97), including delaying the clock received at said clock input terminal by said controllable phase angle thereby obtaining a delayed clock; said delayed clock defining said different points in time of said falling phase detection method (55; 70; 96, 97); and outputting a zero phase control signal, if a rising slope is detected; or outputting a non-zero phase control signal, if a falling slope is detected and the falling slope is at least one of early or late compared to said clock. sampling (13, 14, 15, 16) an input signal (51, 91, 111) for obtaining several samples (1, 2, 3) at different points in time being defined by a clock; outputting (17, 18, 19, 20) a phase control signal (4, 5) obtained from said several samples (1, 2, 3); said phase control signal (4, 5) may be zero, positive or negative; classifying the slope of a transition into one out of two categories, if a transition in the input signal between the earliest and latest point of said different points in time is detected; the two categories being a falling or a rising slope; performing a rising phase detection method (52; 69; 93, 94), including advancing the clock received at a clock input terminal by a controllable phase angle thereby obtaining an advanced clock, said advanced clock defining said different points in time of said rising phase detection method (52; 69; 93, 94); and outputting a zero phase control signal, if a falling slope is detected; or outputting a non-zero phase control signal, if a rising slope is detected and the rising slope is at least one of early or late compared to said clock; and performing a falling phase detection method (55; 70; 96, 97), including delaying the clock received at said clock input terminal by said controllable phase angle thereby obtaining a delayed clock; said delayed clock defining said different points in time of said falling phase detection method (55; 70; 96, 97); and outputting a zero phase control signal, if a rising slope is detected; or outputting a non-zero phase control signal, if a falling slope is detected and the falling slope is at least one of early or late compared to said clock.