Power-efficient sample and hold circuit using bipolar transistors of

Abstract

A diode bridge includes a plurality of diodes for coupling an input voltage signal to a holding capacitor for sampling when the diodes are forward biased, and uncoupling the voltage signal from the capacitor for holding when the diodes are reverse biased. The diode bridge has first and second bias current nodes. A constant current drain causes a constant bias current to flow out of the bridge. A transistor connects the first node to the drain for forward biasing the diodes, whereas a transistor connects the second node to the drain for reverse biasing the diodes. A bootstrap amplifier (A2) produces a variable control voltage which controls a pair of voltage-controlled constant current sources to cause the constant bias current to flow therethrough into the bridge. A transistor (Q7) couples the control voltage to the first current source for forward biasing the diodes, whereas a transistor couples the control voltage to the second current source for reverse biasing the diodes. The transistors are all bipolar and of the same conductivity type, preferably NPN.