Abstract: A device for detecting the installation of a child seat, in particular on a vehicle seat, includes one fixed part and one movable mechanism. The fixed part has a switch element with two switching states and a device for forming an actuating field for the switch element. The movable mechanism is movable, as a result of the installation of the child seat, from a first position to a second position, thereby making a variation in the actuating field attainable, so that the switch element changes the switching state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear actuator, controllable as a spring, having a field assembly and a coil assembly positioned for interaction with and movement relative to the field assembly. The field assembly has a soft magnetic housing having an axis, axially magnetized cylindrical magnets and soft magnetic pole pieces which form a stack of alternating cylindrical magnets and pole pieces positioned along the axis. The coil assembly includes a coil base having coil cavities, coils supported in the coil cavity, and an axially magnetized permanent magnet positioned on the coil base so that the axially magnetized permanent magnet is positioned to travel along the axis of the soft magnetic housing. A repulsion force is generated between the coil assembly and the field assembly when the coil assembly is de-energized, and the repulsion force is modified when the coil assembly is energized.

Abstract: A microactuator design and fabrication method for an improved magnetic microactuator incorporating mechanical stroke limiters and integrated connections between the flex on suspension and slider. The stroke limiters, also referred to as bumper system, and integrated connections enable low power, mechanically robust operation of the microactuator during high seek operations. In addition, improved head gimbal assembly yield results due to the integrated head connections formed on the microactuator.

Abstract: A magnetizer has a pair of magnetism exciters, a magnetism emitting block, a pair of magnets, and a hollow casing. The magnetism emitting block is disposed between the magnetism exciters. Each magnet is disposed between the magnetism emitting block and the corresponding magnetism exciter. The magnetism exciters is made of a high magnetic permeable material. The magnetism emitting block is made of a super magnetic permeable material. Each magnet is made of a permanent magnetic element. The hollow casing is made of a non-magnetic material.

Abstract: A multi-stable magnetic article has plates which are generally juxtaposed and independently transformable in respective parallel planes between a stable closed orientation and a plurality of stable open orientations. The article is useful as a small cosmetic case containing a plurality of cosmetics on a single plate, all cosmetics being covered in the stable closed orientation and a selected one or more cosmetics being exposed in each of the stable open orientations.

Abstract: A micro-electro mechanical (MEM) switch capable of inductively coupling and decoupling electrical signals is described. The inductive MEM switch consists of a first plurality of coils on a movable platform and a second plurality of coils on a stationary platform or substrate, the coils on the movable platform being above or below those in the stationary substrate. Coupling and decoupling occurs by rotating or by laterally displacing the coils of the movable platform with respect to the coils on the stationary substrate. Diverse arrangements of coils respectively on the movable and stationary substrates allow for a multi-pole and multi-position switching configurations. The MEM switches described eliminate problems of stiction, arcing and welding of the switch contacts. The MEMS switches of the invention can be fabricated using standard CMOS techniques.

Abstract: A surface mounting type planar magnetic device comprised of upper ferrite magnetic film, lower ferrite magnetic film and a planar coil interposed therebetween. For applying surface mount technology, an opening is formed in the upper ferrite magnetic film above a coil terminal portion and then, an external electrode conductive with the coil terminal portion through the opening is formed on the upper ferrite magnetic film. Further, this surface mounting type planar magnetic device is of a thin structure and can be mounted on the surface of a printed board. Its power loss is small, its inductance is large, its frequency characteristic is excellent, the disparity of the characteristic is small and its reliability is excellent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to layout planar magnetic coils on a PCB consists of maximizing the layer to layer overlap, and consequently maximizing total inductance for the given layout area, by spiraling alternating layers inward and outward. A further benefit of the matching opposite spirals is the ability to make the layer to layer electrical contacts within the magnetic field area, thus reducing leakage inductance, and minimizing the wasted extra conductor line length needed to make the connections outside the magnetic field. The reduced conductor line length results in reduced conductor line resistance. The method is applicable to voltage transformers and isolation transformers as well as simple inductors and other magnetic devices. In the transformer case the odd numbered layers are typically connected together in series to provide a larger turn ratio, and the even numbered layers are typically single turns (i.e., no spiral) connected together in parallel to provide more current capability.

Abstract: With the E-I or E-E transformer, signals which are independent of each other are to be transferable simultaneously, without the signals interfering with each other. The E-I transformer has an E core (e, E′), which has two outer legs (ES1, ES2) and an inner leg (EM), and a yoke (1) which combines with the E core to form a double closed magnetic circuit. A first coil and a second coil are wound around the inner leg (EM), and a third coil and a fourth coil are wound around one (ES1) of the outer legs. The E-E transformer has a first E core (E1, E1′) and an identical second E core (E2, E2′); each E core has two outer legs (ES11, ES21, ES11′, ES21′; ES12, ES22, ES12′, ES22′) and an inner leg (EM1, EM1′; EM2, EM2′); the E cores together form a double closed magnetic circuit and two outer links (ST1, ST1′, ST2, ST2′) as well as an inner link (STM, STM′).

Abstract: The impact signaling system (9) is used in a high-voltage protective device and has a housing (13), a spring (16) which is arranged in the housing (13) and has a moveable end, an actuator (17) which can be passed out of the housing (13) and interacts with the moveable end of the spring (16), a high-resistance resistor wire (12) which is connected in parallel with a fusible wire of the protective device, and a holder which absorbs the prestress of the spring (16). The holder contains a section of the high-resistance resistor wire (12) which is in the form of a winding (18) and is passed at least once around the moveable end of the spring (16) in order to form the prestress, and which is at least partially in thermally conductive contact with the material of the activator (20). Above a limit temperature, the activator (20) lifts, for example by destruction of the winding (18) or by melting through, the holder and activates the impact signaling system (9) by reducing the load on the spring (16).

Abstract: A vehicle equipment remote control system includes an electronic control unit that controls the transmission from vehicle exterior transmitters and a vehicle interior transmitter such that, when one of switchover intention detection means detects a vehicle user's intention to switch over a door between a locked state and an unlocked state, among the vehicle exterior transmitters, the vehicle exterior transmitter on the side where the switchover intention detection means that has detected the switchover intention is located transmits a request signal requesting reply data, and a prohibition signal is transmitted from at least one of the remaining vehicle exterior transmitter and the vehicle interior transmitter to prohibit the transmission of reply data from the portable transceiver, the prohibition signal being at a low output level that cannot be received by the portable transceiver that is present on the side where the switchover intention detection means that has detected the switchover intention is l

Abstract: A data carrier (1), or a circuit (2) for such a data carrier (1), which is arranged to receive a carrier signal (CSM) amplitude modulated in conformity with data (DA), is provided with data regenerating means (12) for regenerating data (DA) modulated on the amplitude modulated carrier signal (CSM), and with data processing means (28) for processing data (DA), the data regenerating means (12) additionally including receiving storage means (20) for temporarily storing a predetermined quantity of data (DA), and also detection means (22) for detecting the fact that the predetermined quantity of data (DA) has been buffered in the receiving storage means (20), the detection means (22) being capable of generating control information (CI1) whereby the data processing means (28) can be switched over from a power saving operating mode to a normal operating mode.

Abstract: An interactive local and wide area network system is for communications between the restaurant service elements providing service to a customer and for recording of selected related service data for real time information and for review and analysis and for management control. The wide area network uses distributed data processing for the collection and analysis of related area wide restaurant operations for use in management and control.

Abstract: In a security system using sensors that includes clock-equipped surveillance terminals for sending security data to a surveillance center, one surveillance terminal uses a power supply line to send a time calibration signal to the other surveillance terminals at appropriate times, the surveillance terminals use the signal to eliminate time error among their clocks, the other surveillance terminal use the power supply line to send to the one surveillance terminal time-stamped data, and the one surveillance terminal discriminates operating states of the other surveillance terminals by comparing the receive time and send time of time-stamped data.

Abstract: A system for modulating a carrier frequency to support nondestructive bitwise arbitration of a communication medium. The system comprises a first sensor module coupled to a power supply line via a first power line coupling circuit. The first sensor module comprises a first micro-controller and a first transceiver. The first transceiver includes a first transmitter for converting a digital signal received from the first micro-controller into a first analog signal for transmission over the power supply line. The first transmitter includes a first oscillator operating within an allowable frequency deviation to provide a first predetermined onset phase. The system further comprises a second sensor module coupled to the power supply line via a second power line coupling circuit. The second sensor module comprises a second micro-controller and a second transceiver.

Abstract: A vocal container cap includes a cap portion and a vocal assembly received in the cap portion. When the cap portion is fully closed onto a container mouth, an elastic switch associated with a movable member of the vocal assembly is pressed against a contact on a circuit board supported on a fixed member of the vocal assembly to disable the vocal container cap. And when the cap portion is twisted to loosen from the container mouth, a spring lifts the movable member to separate the elastic switch from the contact and thereby actuates the vocal container cap to sound or voice.

Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in tire air-pressure in which decrease in internal pressure of a tire is detected on the basis of rotational information. The method includes the steps of: detecting rotational information of the tires; storing the rotational information; comparing rotational information of all left-sided wheels and rotational information of all right-sided wheels of the vehicle when the vehicle is performing straight-ahead running; and judging decompression on the basis of a relationship between a value obtained through comparison of the left-sided and right-sided rotational information and a specified threshold. It is possible to detect decompression of a single wheel tire while it is also possible to detect that two wheel tires on the left or right are simultaneously decreased.

Abstract: A general abnormal heating detection method in an electronic device is limited to an object to be monitored, and cannot cope with heating of an object of which overheating is unexpected. To correct this problem, temperature data are acquired from a plurality of temperature sensors distributed in the device to be protected, the parameter indicating temperature distribution pattern in the device is calculated on the basis of the acquired temperature data, and an alarm signal is output when the calculated parameter indicating temperature distribution pattern deviates from a predetermined reference.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a performance of at least one system component of a manufacturing system. At least one event that can occur within the system is defined. It is determined whether the at least one event has occurred within the system, and altering a frequency at which the at least one system component is monitored providing the at least one event has occurred within the system.

Abstract: A surveillance system includes a device for capturing video, audio, and data information. The device is provided in a first location, such as a vehicle. A server is provided for integrating and storing the captured information in the vehicle. The server may be a mobile server which is capable of transmitting the captured information from the vehicle to a second location, such as a building.

Abstract: A method of providing simple, low-cost and effective alarm system protection. The method is especially useful in locations where the installation of a conventional, hard-wired alarm system would be impossible or economically impractical. The method utilizes a portable alarm system which incorporates wireless technology along with wireless transmission service, therefore providing the ability to protect virtually anything, anywhere, at any time. The present invention also provides for both automated and manned monitoring of the alarm location by a security monitoring company, which may be contacted at any time, from any location, at a single phone number or internet address, for example. The method of the present invention also utilizes a method of call retainment and multiple redundancy to ensure that any calls placed by the portable alarm system are received by the security monitoring company.

Abstract: A mailbox operated signal device has a motion detector that is attached to the inside of a conventional mailbox and activates a light and a speaker to alert residents that the mail has been delivered to their mailbox. A wireless transmitter is electrically connected to the motion detector. The wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting a motion detected signal. A wireless receiver is capable of receiving the transmitted motion detected signal. A light is electrically connected to the wireless receiver. The light is for indicating when the motion detected signal is received by the wireless receiver.

Abstract: A security alarm with a wired remote triggering device consists of a triggering switch with two spring blades and a flexible sleeve tube holding both spring blades together. The security alarm with a strap is hung on the doorknob inside a door or placed inside a drawer, and the triggering device is set up from outside of the door or the drawer by pulling off the flexible sleeve tube. The two spring blades will thus be clipped in a gap between the door and its frame to keep the alarm circuitry open. When any unauthorized person opens the door or the drawer, the triggering device will fall off from the gap; thus the two spring blades will automatically open to keep the alarm circuitry in close status so as to activate the alarm, so the theft deterrent purpose is consequently achieve.

Abstract: A security support for display article, in particular wrist-watches, designed to be integrated in a display unit includes a sensor fixed on the base and connected by a conductor were to a connector linked to an alarm central station. The support consists of a globally cylindrical block whereof the side surface is truncated along a chord to form a plane whereon is fixedly mounted a mechanical locking member adapted to co-operate removably with corresponding parts of the sensor fixed at the base of the watch, such that the latter thus equipped with the sensor, can be mechanically locked on the cylindrical block by the locking member and can be locked on that same block by winding of its own bracelet and by closure of its clasp.

Abstract: A communications system including a radio frequency identification device including an integrated circuit having a single die including a microprocessor, a receiver coupled to the microprocessor, and a backscatter transmitter coupled to the microprocessor, the integrated circuit having a digital input, and the receiver being configured to receive wireless communications from a remote interrogator; and an analog to digital converter external of the single die and having a digital output coupled to the digital input of the integrated circuit, and having an analog input configured to be coupled to an analog measuring device, wherein the radio frequency identification device is configured to transmit a signal indicative of the analog input using the backscatter transmitter. A communications method including coupling an analog to digital converter to a radio frequency identification device.

Abstract: An object identification system includes a monitor and a plurality of transceivers that communicate over a common medium. The monitor includes a first transmitter, a first receiver, and a processor. Each transceiver includes a resonant circuit, a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coupled to the resonant circuit. The processor performs a method for performing transceiver communication that includes the steps of: (a) transmitting from the first transmitter a first frequency for a first duration; (b) after lapse of the first duration, receiving via the first receiver a response signal from at least one of the resonant circuits; (c) determining a second frequency from the received response signal; and (d) performing transceiver communication using the second frequency.

Abstract: A location visit confirmation service includes a portable wireless device, a schedule of predetermined sites, a location identification device and a central processor. The central processor periodically receives position data generated by the location identification device identifying the location of the portable wireless device. The central processor compares this position data to the schedule of predetermined sites. Using a threshold based on distance, or distance and time, it is determined whether a service person completed a visit to one of the sites in the schedule. At the end of the site visit confirmation evaluation period, a summary report is generated that confirms those scheduled site visits that were completed. The summary report is provided by the wireless carrier to the subscriber.

Abstract: An apparatus for notifying a user when the gas pressure of a gas is at or below a threshold pressure. The gas can be injected into a chamber of an incubator. The gas pressure can be measured, relayed and compared to the threshold pressure. If the gas pressure is at or below the threshold pressure, the user will be notified that the gas pressure needs to be corrected.

Abstract: A seat occupation is judged with a load detector arranged at a seat for detecting a load on the seat and a seat condition detection means arranged at the seat for providing discrimination between an adult and a child seat on the seat. A judging means judges that a child seat is set on the seat when the load detection means detects the load corresponding to that of adult and the seat condition detection means detects that the child seat on the seat. The seat condition detection means may comprise an electrostatistic sensor for detecting a capacitance that is increased by the body of the passenger or a pressure detection element array arranged on the sitting portion. The detected capacitance or the pressure distribution is different between a child seat and an adult or a passenger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a conveyor. The conveyor comprises a conveyor belt in an elastomeric material, with a carrying side for the transported material, a backing side and embedded reinforcements, as well as other components: namely, drive pulleys, return pulleys, reverse pulleys, conveyor pulleys, mounting structures feed chutes and other components, where necessary. According to the invention the device is characterized by comprising an opto-electronic system in the area where no material is transported, which optically records and signals any damage done to the conveyor belt, optionally with an automatic switching off of the conveyor.

Abstract: A clamping device having loss-guard function includes a shell body, a circuit unit, and a connection component. The shell body has a receiving space therein. A clamping sheet is disposed on the outer wall of the shell body. The circuit unit is disposed in the receiving space, and can receive signals emitted by an emission component disposed on a portable electronic device. The circuit unit has alarming components. The connection component is connected on the portable electronic device. The connection component also is connected with the shell body in a detachable way. The clamping device can clamp the portable electronic device onto a users waistband. When the portable electronic device is away from the circuit unit a certain distance, the circuit unit will be immediately driven to give out alarming lights or sounds, thereby preventing the portable electronic device from being lost or stolen by thieves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.

Abstract: A system for implementing a method for initializing and binding ballasts is disclosed. The system comprises a remote control having a master controller and the ballasts each having a slave controller. The master controller and the slave controllers are operated to implement routines whereby the master controller generates a clock sequence of a plurality of clock cycles, and the slave controllers randomly generate addresses and direct a transmission of signals indicative of the generated random addresses to the master controller during corresponding clock cycles. In response thereto, the master controller assigns network addresses corresponding to the random addresses as indicated by the corresponding clock cycles. The master controller and the slave controllers are further operated to implement routines for verifying the assigned network addresses and routines for binding each network address to a command of the remote control.

Abstract: A remote control device is configured to select predetermined content prior to providing the remote control device to a media consumer, and provided to the media consumer such that the media consumer associates the remote control device with the predetermined content. In one embodiment, the remote control device is configured to select at least one predetermined content and has a form that identifies the predetermined content for the media consumer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring data from a logging tool to a surface computer that involves attaching a stand-alone data dump device to the logging tool after the logging tool has gathered data about downhole parameters. After attaching the data dump device, data contained in a memory of the logging tool is copied to a memory of the data dump device. In one embodiment, once data copying between the logging tool and data dump device is complete, the data dump device is disconnected from the logging tool and connected to a surface computer which reads the data previously copied to the data dump device. A second embodiment of the data dump device has a radio frequency communication link between the surface computer and the data dump device to allow a wireless communication between the surface computer and the data dump device and/or logging tool.

Abstract: A rear collision warning system (10) for a target vehicle (17) and an approaching vehicle (18) is provided. The rear collision warning system (10) includes a first transmitter (54) located on the approaching vehicle (18) and directed at the target vehicle (17). The first transmitter (54) generates a vehicle information signal. A first indicator (16) located on the target vehicle (17). A first receiver (50) electrically coupled to the first indicator (16) receives the vehicle information signal and transmits a warning signal to the approaching vehicle (18) when the vehicle information signal is above a predetermined magnitude. A method of performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A system for preventing trains from derailing and colliding with hazards on railways is disclosed. According to the invention, the system includes a safety vehicle (i.e., “trolley”) that travels along a railway a head of a train. The train and trolley each include GPS receivers which constantly provide GPS location information to a computer in the train. The computer calculates the distance between the trolley and the train, speed at which the train is traveling, and the distance required for the train to stop. The computer transmits acceleration and deceleration commands to the trolley and/or train to maintain a safe distance between the trolley and the train. If the trolley derails, stops or slows down due to a hazard on the railway or another problem, the computer generates commands to slow down or stop the train, as necessary, to prevent the train from derailing or colliding with the trolley or a hazard on the railway.

Abstract: A Turbo multi-user detector (MUD) processing system in multiple access communications channels that decreases the likelihood of improper decoding of the final values of interest, thereby allowing for a reduction in the number of iterations performed and lowers complexity without negatively impacting performance. The present invention comprises a multi-user detector serially concatenated to two decoder sections in such a manner that data flows iteratively from the MUD and to each detector stage and back to the MUD to correct for errors.

Abstract: The Word-Aligned Hybrid (WAH) bitmap compression method and data structure is a relatively efficient method for searching and performing logical, counting, and pattern location operations upon large datasets. The technique is comprised of a data structure and methods that are optimized for computational efficiency by using the WAH compression method, which typically takes advantage of the target computing system's native word length. WAH is particularly apropos to infrequently varying databases, including those found in the on-line analytical processing (OLAP) industry, due to the increased computational efficiency of the WAH compressed bitmap index. Some commercial database products already include some version of a bitmap index, which could possibly be replaced by the WAH bitmap compression techniques for potentially increased operation speed, as well as increased efficiencies in constructing compressed bitmaps.

Abstract: A method for improving the resolution of an A/D converter and/or a converter system having an S/H device and an A/D converter is described. In order to improve the resolution of the A/D converter, an auxiliary signal is superposed on an analog signal, and the superposed signal is sampled and converted into digital output values using the A/D converter. Based on the digital output values, it is possible to determine an output value having higher resolution, e.g., by averaging.

Abstract: A method for designing a single loop Sigma Delta Modulator, and a single loop Sigma Delta Modulator. A microphone comprising the above Sigma Delta Modulator (SDM) and a cellular phone or hearing aid incorporating the microphone. A design algorithm for an SDM is described said method resulting in a SDM with a maximum SNR for a given NTF order and the method assures stability while still keeping the distortion in the output signal at a minimum for signals exceeding MSA. The method further takes the presence of non idealities in i.e. components into consideration and makes the SDM less sensitive to these non idealities. Furthermore the method tailors the coefficients and the design of the NTF to fit a low power low voltage integrated circuit implementation.

Abstract: For digital demodulation of a quadrature amplitude- or phase-modulated signal (xE(t)), this is sampled with a sampling frequency fs and A/D converted, which has the relationship f s = 4 · f 0 1 + 2 · λ with the carrier frequency f0, whereby &lgr; is a whole number greater than or equal to zero.

Abstract: Latch structures and systems are disclosed that enhance latch speed and provide complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-level latch signals. They are realized with bipolar junction structures and CMOS structures that are arranged to enhance regenerative feedback signals and generate CMOS-level latch signals.

Abstract: Digital-to-analog converters are disclosed that include a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, which can control the brightness of a stored image delicately. The digital-to-analog converter includes: an array of resistors with weights on their resistance value, to distribute a voltage delicately and develop a plurality of analog signals; a switching circuit to select and output one of the analog signals of the arrayed resistors in response to a digital control code; and an output circuit to buffer and develop the output of the switching circuit.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter arrangement able to process input signals with different signal bandwidth is provided. The arrangement comprises a first input terminal for receiving a first digital input signal, a second input terminal for receiving a second digital input signal and switching means being coupled to the first and second input terminals and being adapted to select between the first and second digital input signals so as to output an intermediate digital signal corresponding to the selected one of the first and second digital input signals. The intermediate digital signal is received by an array of unary digital-to-analog converting elements, each unary digital-to-analog converting element being adapted so that, as an analog output signal, a sum signal of output signals of the unary digital-to-analog converting elements is output.

Abstract: A digital to analogue converter with current output and a mixer with current input are used, and the entire circuit configuration operates within the current area. This means that the current output of the digital to analogue converter, if necessary, is directly connected to the current input of the mixer with intermediate insertion of a filter operating within the current area, without any conversion of the current signals occurring between the digital to analogue converter and the mixer into a voltage. Therefore, the circuitry cost can be reduced because various components are dispensed with and the signal quality improved, since distortions and noise are prevented due to current to voltage conversion at the end of the digital to analogue converter or voltage to current conversion at the input of the mixer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (1) comprises a microprocessor (2), an ADC (3) and a serial interface (4) for communicating the integrated circuit with an external device. An analogue input port (5) is provided for inputting analogue signals to the ADC (3). A switch circuit (8) is provided for selectively and alternately configuring the integrated circuit (1) to operate in a first mode and in a second mode. In the first mode the serial interface (4) communicates with the microprocessor (2) through the switch circuit (8), and in the second mode the serial interface (4) communicates with the ADC (3) through the switch circuit (8). In the second mode conversion results are transferred from the ADC (3) through the switch circuit (8) to the serial interface (4) independently of the microprocessor (2) for transmission therefrom to an external device. In the first mode the ADC (3) is operable under the control of the microprocessor (2).

Abstract: An analog to digital converter includes an array of differential input amplifiers. Each amplifier inputs an input voltage and a corresponding voltage reference, and outputs a differential signal representing a comparison of the input voltage and the corresponding voltage reference. A plurality of latches stores the differential signal from each of the differential input amplifiers. A decoder converts the stored differential signals to N-bit digital output. A first interface amplifier is connected to a first edge amplifier of the array through a first cross point. A second interface amplifier is connected to a second edge amplifier of the array through a second cross point. The first interface amplifier and the second interface amplifier are connected to each other through a third cross point.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter includes a first amplifier array connected to taps from a reference ladder, a second amplifier array, wherein each amplifier in the first amplifier array is connected to only two amplifiers of the second amplifier array, a third amplifier array, wherein each amplifier in the second amplifier array is connected to only two amplifiers of the third amplifier array, and an encoder connected to outputs of the third amplifier array that converts the outputs to an N-bit digital signal.

Abstract: A comparator for an analog-to-digital converter comprises an input stage (in+, in−, M1, M2) for receiving an input signal; a bipolar latch stage (Q1, Q2; Q1a-b, Q2a-b) coupled to the input stage for performing a latch decision based on the input signal; means for amplifying the latch output (Va, Vb) to a level suitable for CMOS circuitry; and an output (out+, out−). The means for amplifying includes at least one tapping transistor (Q3, Q4) coupled to the latch stage for, depending on the latch decision, tapping a collector current (Ic2; Ic1) from the latch stage, while leaving the latch decision thereof unaffected, such that a current gain (&bgr;) of the latch stage can be used to amplify a latch bias current (Ia, Ib) of the latch stage to thereby provide for the amplification.