Analog-to-digital converter for use in e.g. data readout system, has set of comparators comparing reference voltage levels with analog input signal to generate comparison results, where encoding module is coupled to comparators

摘要

The converter (18) has a reference voltage unit for producing a set of reference voltage levels, where voltage differences of adjacent reference voltage levels are different. A set of comparators compares the reference voltage levels with an analog input signal to generate comparison results. An encoding module is coupled to the comparators for producing a digital signal according to comparison results of the comparators. Impedance components provided in an inner portion of the series have impedance values smaller than the impedance components provided in an outer portion of the series. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an analog-to-digital converting system with non-uniform resolution (2) a data readout system for reading data stored in an optical disc through a pick up head (3) a method for converting an analog signal into a digital signal (4) a method for reading out data.