Abstract: A device that determines gradients of a signal compares the change in a signal level between two instants with reference values, and determines a measure for the signal gradient as a function of the comparison. The device functions to effect signal reconstruction, where, for example, the phase of the signal processing clock relative to the gradient measurement clock can be adjusted, or a measure for the signal values between multiple sampling points can be determined. A method for controlling signal curves based on gradient values determines a measure for the gradient curve or the curvature of the signal from the immediate time sequence of multiple gradients. Based on a sequential evaluation of these measures, it is possible to determine the direction of the phase drift of the signal and, for example, to utilize this for synchronization or phase control.

Abstract: Device for Determining a Measure for a Signal Change and a Method of Phase Control The invention relates to a method for effecting a gradient determination, in which a change in the signal level of an input signal (sigp, sign) between two instants is determined and compared with reference values (refl, refh), wherein as a function of the comparison a measure is determined for the gradient of the input signal. In addition, the invention relates to a device to effect gradient determination which is designed to compare the change in a signal level (sigp, sign) between two instants with reference values, and as a function of the comparison to determine a measure for the signal gradient.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the ratio between the actual value of an RC time constant of an RC network embodied in an integrated circuit and a set value of the RC time constant includes first and second reference RC networks each having a resistor and a capacitor. The two RC networks may be oppositely connected in a circuit arrangement between first and second supply potentials, where the product of the resistance and capacitance values of the two RC networks may be equal. A normalized RC time constant may be defined for the two reference RC networks. Successive charge and discharge cycles are implemented during a predetermined evaluation period, the two capacitors being charged in a cycle during a charge time until the potential at a first node of the first reference RC network approximately corresponds to the potential at a second node of the second reference RC network. The two capacitors may be subsequently discharged for a discharge time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the ratio of the RC time constant of at least one RC element in an integrated circuit to a preset value, using a first reference RC element with a first resistor and a first capacitor, and a second reference RC element with a second resistor and a second capacitor, which elements are oppositely connected between a first and a second supply potential, wherein the product of the resistance value and the capacitance value of the two elements is equal in each case.