Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for sync mark detection. As an example, a sync mark detection circuit is discussed that includes a storage circuit, a plurality of noise predictive filter circuits, and a controller circuit. The storage circuit is operable to store a data input as a stored input. The plurality of noise predictive filters are operable to receive a processing input. At least one of the noise predictive filters is selectably modifiable to either increase the probability of finding a sync mark in the processing input or to maintain a baseline probability of finding the sync mark in the processing input. The controller circuit is operable to determine an operational mode that may be a standard operational mode, a bit flipping mode, or a filter modification mode.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for analog to digital conversion. As an example, a circuit for converting analog signals to digital signals is disclosed. The circuit includes a variable gain amplifier circuit, an analog to digital converter circuit, and a summation circuit. The variable gain amplifier circuit is operable to apply a first gain value to an input to yield a first amplified output, and to apply a second gain value to the input to yield a second amplified output. The analog to digital converter circuit is operable to receive a derivative of the first amplified output and to provide a corresponding first digital sample, and to receive a derivative of the second amplified output and to provide a corresponding second digital sample. The summation circuit is operable to combine the first digital sample and the second digital sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for sync mark detection. As an example, a sync mark detection circuit is discussed that includes a storage circuit, a plurality of noise predictive filter circuits, and a controller circuit. The storage circuit is operable to store a data input as a stored input. The plurality of noise predictive filters are operable to receive a processing input. At least one of the noise predictive filters is selectably modifiable to either increase the probability of finding a sync mark in the processing input or to maintain a baseline probability of finding the sync mark in the processing input. The controller circuit is operable to determine an operational mode that may be a standard operational mode, a bit flipping mode, or a filter modification mode.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for analog to digital conversion. As an example, a circuit for converting analog signals to digital signals is disclosed. The circuit includes a variable gain amplifier circuit, an analog to digital converter circuit, and a summation circuit. The variable gain amplifier circuit is operable to apply a first gain value to an input to yield a first amplified output, and to apply a second gain value to the input to yield a second amplified output. The analog to digital converter circuit is operable to receive a derivative of the first amplified output and to provide a corresponding first digital sample, and to receive a derivative of the second amplified output and to provide a corresponding second digital sample. The summation circuit is operable to combine the first digital sample and the second digital sample.

Abstract: A voltage level translator circuit for translating an input signal referenced to a first voltage supply to an output signal referenced to a second voltage supply includes an input stage for receiving the input signal and a latch circuit for storing a signal at an output of the latch circuit which is representative of a logical state of the input signal. The latch circuit includes an input coupled to the input stage. The voltage level translator circuit further includes a feedback circuit coupled between the input and the output of the latch circuit. The feedback circuit is operative to maintain a desired logic state of the voltage level translator circuit when the second voltage supply powers up before the first voltage supply. In this manner, the voltage level translator circuit is configured to provide an output signal having a predictable logic state over a wide variation of PVT conditions and/or voltage supply ramp rates.

Abstract: The specification describes matched capacitor pairs that employ interconnect metal in an interdigitated form, and are made with an area efficient configuration. In addition, structural variations between capacitors in the capacitor pair are minimized to provide optimum matching. According to the invention, the capacitor pairs are interdigitated in a manner that ensures that the plates of each pair occupy common area on the substrate. Structural anomalies due to process conditions are compensated in that a given anomaly affects both capacitors in the same way. Two of the capacitor plates, one in each pair, are formed of comb structures, with the fingers of the combs interdigitated. The other plates are formed using one or more plates interleaved between the interdigitated plates.

Abstract: The specification describes matched capacitor pairs that employ interconnect metal in an interdigitated form, and are made with an area efficient configuration. In addition, structural variations between capacitors in the capacitor pair are minimized to provide optimum matching. According to the invention, the capacitor pairs are interdigitated in a manner that ensures that the plates of each pair occupy common area on the substrate. Structural anomalies due to process conditions are compensated in that a given anomaly affects both capacitors in the same way. Two of the capacitor plates, one in each pair, are formed of comb structures, with the fingers of the combs interdigitated. The other plates are formed using one or more plates interleaved between the interdigitated plates.