Comparator Output Gating to Block Supply-to-Ground Current

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors and pre-positioning transistors in specific states before the comparison operation begins. The clock signal phases are carefully sequenced to prepare the circuit in advance, reducing the need for high current during the actual comparison phase. This prepares the circuit beforehand to minimize power consumption while maintaining accuracy.

The patent employs periodic action through clocked operation, where the comparator circuit operates in discrete phases (sampling phase, comparison phase, reset phase) rather than continuously. Transistors are switched periodically to control current flow, and capacitors are charged and discharged in rhythmic cycles synchronized with clock signals, reducing average power consumption while maintaining high-speed performance.

The patent segments the current path by introducing separate clock phases for different circuit sections. The first clock phase controls the preamplifier section while the second clock phase controls the latch section, allowing independent optimization of each segment. This segmentation enables high-speed operation in one segment without forcing high current through the entire circuit simultaneously.

The patent applies dynamics by using time-varying clock signals to dynamically control the switching of transistors. The clock phases are designed to be non-overlapping, dynamically enabling and disabling current paths at different times. This dynamic control allows the circuit to achieve high speed when needed while minimizing supply-to-ground current during transition and reset phases.

The patent introduces clock signals as intermediary control elements that mediate between the control logic and the transistor switching. The clock phases act as intermediaries that smoothly coordinate the switching of multiple transistors, ensuring that switching actions are synchronized and non-conflicting. This intermediary control reduces abrupt switching transients and minimizes kickback noise while maintaining ease of operation.

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the clock phases to preemptively prevent kickback noise before it occurs. The non-overlapping clock phases are timed to ensure that one transistor section is fully settled before the next switching action begins, preventing simultaneous switching conflicts that would generate kickback noise. This preventive timing approach eliminates noise at its source.