Abstract: Signal magnitude comparison apparatus and methods are disclosed. A first input circuit receives a differential input signal and provides a first output signal based on a magnitude of the differential input signal. A second input circuit is operatively coupled to the first input circuit and is operable to receive a second input signal, which may also be a differential signal, and to provide a second output signal based on a magnitude of the second input signal. The operative coupling between the first and second input circuits results in the first output signal and the second output signal forming a differential output signal that is indicative of a difference between the magnitude of the first differential input signal and the magnitude of the second input signal.

Abstract: A power converter forming part of a telephone subscriber line interface circuit selectively generates a ringing signal waveform, for supply to the line, or a supply voltage for a driver circuit for providing loop current on the line. First and second fixed frequency PWM signals are used to control the power converter, and hence the voltage which it generates, for the ringing signal waveform and the supply voltage respectively. The first PWM signal enables the power converter to provide a high power level needed for ringing signals. The second PWM signal has a lower frequency, and hence results in lower switching losses and power dissipation, and a lower duty cycle, suitable for the lower power level needed for the supply voltage, and is conveniently produced by masking pulses of the first PWM signal. The frequency of the second PWM signal is greater than 270 kHz, to avoid transmitting spectral energy to the line below this frequency.