Abstract: An amplifier circuit includes a high-voltage output stage. The high-voltage output stage includes an output terminal, a high-side output circuit, a low-side output circuit, and a feedback circuit. The high-side output circuit sources current to the output terminal, and includes a high-side input transistor, a first high-side cascode transistor coupled to the high-side input transistor, and a second high-side cascode transistor coupled to the first high-side cascode transistor and the output terminal. The low-side output circuit sinks current from the output terminal, and includes a low-side input transistor, a first low-side cascode transistor coupled to the low-side input transistor, and a second low-side cascode transistor coupled to the first low-side cascode transistor and the output terminal.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit includes a high-voltage output stage. The high-voltage output stage includes an output terminal, a high-side output circuit, a low-side output circuit, and a feedback circuit. The high-side output circuit sources current to the output terminal, and includes a high-side input transistor, a first high-side cascode transistor coupled to the high-side input transistor, and a second high-side cascode transistor coupled to the first high-side cascode transistor and the output terminal. The low-side output circuit sinks current from the output terminal, and includes a low-side input transistor, a first low-side cascode transistor coupled to the low-side input transistor, and a second low-side cascode transistor coupled to the first low-side cascode transistor and the output terminal.

Abstract: An operational amplifier includes an input stage configured to receive a first input voltage and a second input voltage and a slew boost circuit coupled to the input stage and configured to selectively increase current through the input stage. The operational amplifier also includes an output stage coupled to the input stage and configured to generate an output voltage, and a slew boost disable circuit configured to assert a control signal to the slew boost circuit to disable the slew boost circuit. The slew boost circuit is disabled when both: the first input voltage being more than a first threshold voltage different from the second input voltage and the output voltage failing to change by more than a second threshold rate.

Abstract: An operational amplifier includes an input stage configured to receive a first input voltage and a second input voltage and a slew boost circuit coupled to the input stage and configured to selectively increase current through the input stage. The operational amplifier also includes an output stage coupled to the input stage and configured to generate an output voltage, and a slew boost disable circuit configured to assert a control signal to the slew boost circuit to disable the slew boost circuit. The slew boost circuit is disabled when both: the first input voltage being more than a first threshold voltage different from the second input voltage and the output voltage failing to change by more than a second threshold rate.

Abstract: A differential input circuit (FIG. 3A) is disclosed. The circuit includes a first input terminal (drain of 310) and a second input terminal (drain of 312). A first input transistor (310) has a first control terminal and has a current path coupled to the first input terminal. A second input transistor (312) has a second control terminal and has a current path coupled to the second input terminal. A third transistor (306) has a third control terminal and has a current path between a first differential input terminal (Vin+) and the first control terminal. A fourth transistor (308) has a fourth control terminal and has a current path between a second differential input terminal (Vin?) and the second control terminal.

Abstract: A differential input circuit (FIG. 3A) is disclosed. The circuit includes a first input terminal (drain of 310) and a second input terminal (drain of 312). A first input transistor (310) has a first control terminal and has a current path coupled to the first input terminal. A second input transistor (312) has a second control terminal and has a current path coupled to the second input terminal. A third transistor (306) has a third control terminal and has a current path between a first differential input terminal (Vin+) and the first control terminal. A fourth transistor (308) has a fourth control terminal and has a current path between a second differential input terminal (Vin?) and the second control terminal.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for generating a time stamp includes a clock input, an event signal input and a time stamp output. A DLL is connected to the clock input, with a plurality of delay elements inside the DLL. An output of each of the delay elements is connected to a data input on a latch. An event signal input is connected to an enable input on each of the latches. An output of each of the latches is connected to the time stamp output. The apparatus is adapted to produce a value on the time stamp output indicating a point at which the event signal input transitions between transitions on the clock input.

Abstract: Traditionally, time stamp circuits have been used for precise digital time measurements. The resolution of these types of circuits, though, was generally limited by clock speed. Here, an apparatus is provided that performs time stamp operations and is not generally limited by clock speed. This apparatus generally uses an interpolator, counter, lathing circuits, and a synchronizer. Typically, the interpolator provides a residue signal to the synchronizer, and the synchronizer can determines whether to add the interpolation signal to a counter state based at least in part on a comparison of an event signal and the residue signal.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods for synchronizing time stamps are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses for synchronizing a coarse time stamp with a fine time stamp. Such apparatuses include an event signal input, a clock input, a coarse time stamp generator having an input connected to the clock input, and a fine time stamp generator having a first input connected to the clock input, a second input connected to the event signal input, and a synchronization signal output. The apparatuses also include a synchronizer having a first input connected to the clock input, a second input connected to the event signal input, a third input connected to the synchronization signal output and an output connected to the coarse time stamp generator. The synchronizer is adapted to synchronize the coarse time stamp generator to the fine time stamp generator based at least in part on the synchronization signal output.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for generating a time stamp includes a clock input, an event signal input and a time stamp output. A DLL is connected to the clock input, with a plurality of delay elements inside the DLL. An output of each of the delay elements is connected to a data input on a latch. An event signal input is connected to an enable input on each of the latches. An output of each of the latches is connected to the time stamp output. The apparatus is adapted to produce a value on the time stamp output indicating a point at which the event signal input transitions between transitions on the clock input.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for translating a wide common mode voltage range into a narrow common mode voltage range. The system and method extend the common mode voltage range of functional devices beyond the supply rails of the functional device, while keeping the differential signal loss to a minimum. The system and method translate a common mode input signal from a wide common mode voltage range into a narrow common mode voltage range utilizing a feedback technique.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for translating a wide common mode voltage range into a narrow common mode voltage range. The system and method extend the common mode voltage range of functional devices beyond the supply rails of the functional device, while keeping the differential signal loss to a minimum. The system and method translate a common mode input signal from a wide common mode voltage range into a narrow common mode voltage range utilizing a feedback technique.