Abstract: An A/D converter of an successive approximation type according to the present invention comprises a sample hold circuit, a reference voltage generating circuit, a comparator for comparing the reference voltage generated by the reference voltage generating circuit to a value of the input analog signal retained in the sample hold circuit, a control circuit for successively controlling the reference voltage generating circuit so that a value of the reference voltage approximates to the value of the input analog signal retained in the sample hold circuit, a buffering circuit for outputting an output value corresponding to an output voltage of the comparator, a latch circuit for retaining the output value of the buffering circuit corresponding to the output value of the comparator per bit as a digital value, and a buffering control circuit for blocking a power supply to the buffering circuit during the sampling period is provided.

Abstract: An A/D converter of an successive approximation type according to the present invention comprises a sample hold circuit, a reference voltage generating circuit, a comparator for comparing the reference voltage generated by the reference voltage generating circuit to a value of the input analog signal retained in the sample hold circuit, a control circuit for successively controlling the reference voltage generating circuit so that a value of the reference voltage approximates to the value of the input analog signal retained in the sample hold circuit, a buffering circuit for outputting an output value corresponding to an output voltage of the comparator, a latch circuit for retaining the output value of the buffering circuit corresponding to the output value of the comparator per bit as a digital value, and a buffering control circuit for blocking a power supply to the buffering circuit during the sampling period is provided.

Abstract: In a level shift circuit constituted by n-channel MOS transistors (TN-A and TN-B) and p-channel MOS transistors (TP-A and TP-B), p-channel MOS transistors (TP-C and TP-D) constituting a current mirror circuit at the transistors (TP-A and TP-B), thereby limiting a direct tunneling current from VDDH to VSS and enabling high-speed operation.

Abstract: A lighter case having a windshield is provided. The lighter case includes a hollow case member adapted to receive therein a lighter through a top opening thereof and a windshield member adapted to be received in the case member and to receive therein at least a part of the lighter through an open side portion thereof. The case member includes a side opening for facilitating access to the windshield therethrough of the finger of a user and the windshield member includes an open bottom, so that the windshield can be slidably displaced in the longitudinal direction with respect to the case member.