Coded data generation or conversion – Analog to or from digital conversion – With particular solid state devices
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-05
2001-09-18
Wamsley, Patrick (Department: 2819)
Coded data generation or conversion
Analog to or from digital conversion
With particular solid state devices
C327S169000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292118
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to electronic quantizing and more particularly to a system for quantizing an analog signal utilizing a resonant tunneling diode bridge.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Analog-to-digital converters have been formed in a variety of architectures. Conventionally, these architectures have been implemented with transistors. For example, one common implementation includes a cross-coupled pair of transistors. However, there are several disadvantages associated with using transistors to implement an analog-to-digital converter.
First, devices used in digital circuits are becoming smaller. As these devices decrease in size, quantum mechanical effects begin to appear. The electrical properties of conventional transistors may be unacceptably by quantum mechanical effects. Secondly, a transistor-implemented analog-to-digital converter is limited by the switching speed of the transistors, which may be too slow for some applications. Finally, conventional transistors are limited to two stable states. Thus, systems using transistors typically may only convert analog signals into binary digital signals, making the use of multi-valued logic difficult.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system for quantizing an analog signal utilizing a resonant tunneling diode bridge is provided that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages or problems associated with previously developed quantizers.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for quantizing an analog signal is provided that comprises a first negative-resistance device. The first negative-resistance device has a first terminal coupled to receive a clock signal and a second terminal coupled to receive a first input signal. A second negative-resistance device has a first terminal coupled to receive the clock signal and a second terminal coupled to receive a second input signal. A third negative-resistance device has a first terminal coupled to receive the first input signal and a second terminal coupled to receive the inverted clock signal. A fourth negative-resistance device has a first terminal coupled to receive the second input signal and a second terminal coupled to receive the inverted clock signal. An output terminal is coupled to the second terminal of the first negative-resistance device and the first terminal of the third negative-resistance device. The output terminal provides an output signal. An inverted output terminal is coupled to the second terminal of the second negative-resistance device and the first terminal of the fourth negative-resistance device. The inverted output terminal provides an inverted output signal.
Technical advantages of the present invention include providing an improved system for quantizing an analog signal. In particular, a negative-resistance element such as a resonant tunneling diode is included as a part of the analog-to-digital converter. Accordingly, reliance on transistors is avoided. As a result, the detrimental effects of quantum mechanics are minimized or not present, switching speed is increased, and use of multi-valued logic is possible.
Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Raytheon Company
Wamsley Patrick
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