Regenerative Latch Comparator With Local Clock for Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current comparator circuits based on linear amplifiers are speed-limited and inefficient, making them unsuitable for high-speed applications and consuming excessive power.
Innovation Solution
A comparator circuit utilizing a regenerative latch with a local clock circuit, which provides low latency and reduced power consumption by using positive feedback for faster signal comparison and stabilization through an output latch circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If linear amplifier-based comparator circuits are used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the speed is limited and power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the comparator by transitioning from linear amplifier operation to regenerative latch operation with positive feedback. This parameter change enables the circuit to operate in a non-linear regime where hysteresis and rapid state transitions provide both high-speed comparison and reduced power consumption, directly resolving the contradiction between speed and power efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces positive feedback through regenerative latch circuits that reinforce the comparison decision once a threshold is crossed. This feedback mechanism creates a self-sustaining state that rapidly stabilizes the output, achieving both high-speed response and low power consumption by eliminating the need for continuous linear amplification
2Loss of time
If linear amplifier-based comparator circuits are used, then the circuit implementation is straightforward, but the latency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic regenerative latch circuits that can rapidly transition between stable states based on input comparison. This dynamic operation allows the circuit to achieve very low latency by quickly settling into a final state, while the modular latch structure manages complexity through reusable circuit blocks rather than requiring entirely new complex designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the comparator function into multiple regenerative latch circuits that can operate in parallel or cascaded configurations. This segmentation allows the comparison task to be divided across multiple simple latch units, reducing overall latency through parallel processing while keeping each individual latch unit relatively simple in structure
Data Source
AI summary
A low latency comparator circuit with a local clock circuit is disclosed. A comparator circuit configured to compare a first input signal to a second input signal. The comparator circuit includes at least one regenerative latch circuit having a first and second inputs configured to receive the first and second input signals, respectively. The comparator circuit further includes a clock circuit configured to generate and provide a clock signal exclusively to circuitry in the comparator circuit, including the at least one regenerative latch circuit. At least one output latch circuit coupled to the at least one regenerative latch circuit and configured to provide a first output signal indicative of a comparison of the first and second input signals.