Low noise logic amplifier with nondifferential to differential conversion

Abstract

A low noise logic amplifier with an input signal converter and a differential logic amplifier which together receive and convert a nondifferential input logic signal to a differential output logic signal. The input signal converter receives the nondifferential logic signal and converts it to a differential input logic signal for the differential logic amplifier. The differential logic amplifier has two output signal current paths for its bias current. The input signal converter provides the differential input logic signal with a delay between its two differential logic phases such that at least one of the two output signal current paths in the differential logic amplifier is continuously conducting the bias current. Thus, during generation of the differential output logic signal, regardless of whether the differential input logic signal is experiencing a high-to-low or low-to-high logic transition, the differential logic amplifier bias current flows continuously and without interruption, thereby minimizing generation of noise spikes from abrupt changes in bias current flow.