Abstract: A wideband digital phase meter and phase detection method are disclosed. The device measures a phase difference between 2 signals and is suitable for integration into a single MMIC. The input signals are compared digitally by using two EXOR gates and integrated over a phase comparison period. The resultant analogue signals are digitised using an Analogue to Digital convertor. Additionally, 2×D-Type registers are used to resolve the (0° to 180°) or (180° to 360°) ambiguity of the EXOR phase detector.

Abstract: Described herein is a latch circuit (110) which has an improved maximum toggle rate or frequency. The latch circuit (110) includes a first portion (116) and a second portion (62) in which input clock signals (52,54) are applied to respective input transistors (118,78). The input transistor (118) for the first portion (116) has an emitter area which is double that of the input transistor (78) for the second portion (62). This ‘imbalance’ between the two input transistors (118,78) provides an increase in the ‘hold period/follow period’ ratio such that it is greater than 1, the self-resonance of the latch circuit (110) and also maximum toggle rate or frequency.