Communications: electrical – Digital comparator systems
Patent
1995-04-03
1996-07-09
Heyman, John S.
Communications: electrical
Digital comparator systems
G06F 702
Patent
active
055348440
ABSTRACT:
A static-type comparator, which compares the magnitude of a first binary number with a second binary number and determines if the first binary number is equal to, greater than, or less than the second binary number, is described. The comparator comprises a carry chain of comparison cells. Each comparison cell in the carry chain compares the magnitude of a different bit position of the first number with a corresponding bit position in the second number. The comparison cells input a first voltage signal, representing a binary value of a bit position of the first number, and a second voltage signal, representing a binary value of a corresponding bit position of the second number. A voltage signal from a voltage source Vcc is input into the carry chain and propagates through the chain until a comparison cell detects that there is a difference in magnitudes for a particular bit position. If a difference in magnitudes is detected, the comparison cell will output a voltage signal indicating whether the first number is greater than or less than the second number. If the numbers are equal, voltage signal Vcc propagates through the entire carry chain and is output. In the preferred embodiment, the comparator includes decode circuitry for decoding the carry chain's outputs. The comparator preferably also inputs a timing signal to time the comparator's operations.
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Neil Weste and Kamran Eshraghian, "Principles of CMOS VLSI Design, A Systems Perspective," Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., pp. 333-335 .COPYRGT.1983.
Advanced Micro Devices , Inc.
Heyman John S.
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