Texas Instruments Corporation

Tom P Broekaert

Hao Tang

A high-speed differential comparator is disclosed. The comparator (100) includes a transconductance device (102 through 112) that receives first and second input voltages (V.sub.IN and -V.sub.IN) and generates first and second currents in response to the first and second input voltages. A first resonant tunneling diode (118) conducts the first current and generates a first output voltage (V.sub.OUT1) at a first output terminal (105) in response to the first current. A second resonant tunneling diode (126) conducts the second current and generates a second output voltage (V.sub.OUT2) at a second output terminal (109) in response to the second current. The comparator responds to input voltages at high speed and may be used for high frequency signal sampling and level determination.

High-speed differential comparator

A high-speed differential comparator (300) is disclosed. A transconductance device is connected to the input terminal and the first and second output terminals (305 and 309, respectively) of the comparator. The transconductance device receives an input voltage (V.sub.IN) from the input terminal and generates a current between the first and second output terminals (305 and 309) in response to the input voltage. A load is connected between the first and second output terminals. The load, which includes a resonant tunneling diode (313), conducts the current and generates a voltage difference between the first and second output terminals (305 and 309) in response to the current. The comparator responds to input voltages at high speed and may be used for high frequency signal sampling and level determination.

A high frequency clock signal generator (10) is disclosed. The clock signal generator includes a power supply (12, 14), a first resonant tunneling diode (18) coupled to a first terminal of the power supply and an output node (22), and a second resonant tunneling diode (20) coupled to the output node (22) and a second terminal of the power supply. A signal source is coupled to the output node (22) and periodically switches the first and second resonant tunneling diodes (18, 20) between a first state and a second state. The signal source comprises an oscillating signal generator (26) and a transmission line (28) coupled to the output node (22) of the clock signal generator. The oscillating signal generator (26) produces an oscillating input signal, which is reflected by the transmission line (28). The resonant tunneling diode configuration provides rapid voltage swings at the output, thus allowing the generation of a high frequency clock signal of 25 GHz or more.

High frequency clock signal generator

A high speed digital static shift register includes a series-connected pair of resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) 22, 24 to achieve a bistable operating state. A clocked switch 20 provides the means of setting the binary state of this bistable pair. In order for one bistable pair to drive a following pair, a method of providing isolation and gain using a buffer amplifier 26 between the two pairs of RTDs is also provided. In one embodiment, the buffer amplifier comprises enhancement FET 30 and depletion load FET 28.

Growing community of inventors

Dallas, TX, United States of America

Tom P Broekaert