Abstract: A method of setting the slice level (SL) in a binary signal (T) comprises measuring the noise level at both signal levels (A,B) and adjusting (Z) the slice levels in dependence upon the measured noise levels. By weighing the noise levels, asymmetric noise is taken into account. A device (10) for setting the slice level comprises level shift means and noise peak level detection means.

Abstract: A method and a device (1) for detecting signal amplitudes by removing any DC component from the signal and then shifting the signal by a shift amount so as to produce a shifted signal having a first signal level equal to a reference level (Vref). The shift amount provides an indication of the amplitude of the signal. To this end, the device (1) includes a decoupling circuit (2), a shift circuit (3) and an output terminal (4). Optionally the device further includes a differential amplifier (5) coupled to receive the reference level (Vref) and an indication of the power of the shifted signal, and a signal power determination circuit (6) coupled between the shift circuit (3) and the differential amplifier (5).

Abstract: A ring oscillator according to the invention comprises a closed chain of at least two modules (1, 2). At least one of the modules (1, 2) comprises a primary (10) and a second amplifier stage (11) and combination means (12) for combining output signals of the primary (10) the secondary amplifier stage (11) so as to generate an output signal of the module. The amplifier stages (10, 11) have a mutually different delay and the primary (10) and the secondary am amplifier stage (11) are each coupled to an input (13) of the module (1). The ring oscillator further comprises a control unit (4) for generating a first (C1) and a second auxiliary control signal (C2) for controlling the amplification of the primary amplifier stage (10) and the secondary amplifier stage (11) in response to an input control signal (Co) representative for a desired frequency for the ring oscillator.

Abstract: A minimum detector arrangement comprising a minimum detector for detecting a minimum value of an input signal and generating a first output signal indicative for an approximation of the minimum value of the input signal. The minimum detector arrangement is characterized in that it further comprises a replica of the minimum detector for receiving another input signal and generating a second output signal indicative for an error in said approximation. The minimum detector and the replica of the minimum detector being coupled to a signal combination unit for generating a third output signal indicative for a more accurate approximation of the minimum value of the input signal.

Abstract: A ring oscillator according to the invention comprises a closed chain of at least two modules (1, 2). At least one of the modules (1, 2) comprises a primary (10) and a secondary amplifier stage (11) and combination means (12) for combining output signals of the primary (10) and the secondary amplifier stage (11) so as to generate an output signal of the module. The amplifier stages (10, 11) have a mutually different delay and the primary (10) and the secondary amplifier stage (11) are each coupled to an input (13) of the module (1). The ring oscillator further comprises a control unit (4) for generating a first (C1) and a second auxiliary control signal (C2) for controlling the amplification of the primary amplifier stage (10) and the secondary amplifier stage (11) in response to an input control signal (Co) representative for a desired frequency for the ring oscillator.