Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Bharath Mandyam

David Maes

Simon Bevan Churchill

Gaurang A Shah

David Webb

In embodiments of the present invention a device, circuit, and method are described for sampling input signal voltages, which may include voltages below a negative supply voltage for the device or circuit, without requiring static current from the input. Various embodiments of the invention obviate the requirement of an external negative supply voltage or attenuation resistors to allow sampling between a positive and negative voltage range. These embodiments result in a lower power sampling solution as well as simplifying any driver circuitry required by the sampler. The embodiments of the invention may be applied to sampling processes within analog-to-digital converters and may also be applicable to various other types of circuits in which a sampling input having input voltages that are lower than its negative supply voltage.

Sampling device and circuit having a single voltage supply

Multi-channel high resolution segmented resistor string digital-to-analog converters (DACs) suitable for realization in a single integrated circuit. The DACs incorporate a primary resistor string shared by all channels, and one or more additional pluralities of additional resistor strings for additional resolution. The primary resistor string may be buffered to limit the effect of loading thereon by the plurality of resistor strings coupled thereto. Current sources may also be coupled to the resistor strings coupled to the primary resistor string to also avoid loading of the primary resistor string. A trimmable resistor string of fewer bits may be connected to the primary resistor string for laser trimming. In the embodiment disclosed, a plurality of secondary and tertiary resistor strings are used, with leapfrogging minimizing the switches required.

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Madison, WI, United States of America

Bharath Mandyam