Tri Minh Nguyen

US Patent:

6664816, Dec 16, 2003

Filed:

Jul 30, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/207943

Inventors:

Tri Nguyen - Fort Collins CO
Kenneth G. Richardson - Erie CO

Assignee:

LSI Logic Corporation - Milpitas CA

International Classification:

H03K 5153

US Classification:

327 74, 327 78

Abstract:

A signal amplitude comparator which includes a first input that receives an input signal and generates an output signal that is a non-linear function of the input signal, and a second input circuit that receives a reference input signal and generates a second output signal that generally tracks process, temperature and supply variation. The signal amplitude comparator also includes an amplifier, a filter and a comparator. The amplifier amplifies a signal difference between the first and second output signals and outputs a train of pulses if a peak of the input signal exceeds the reference input signal. A second reference signal is applied to the comparator which generates an output which indicates whether the input signal exceeds a pre-determined threshold value. The signal amplitude comparator also includes a pair of input amplifiers which receive and translate the input and reference input signals to levels suitable for the input circuits.