High accuracy, high speed, low power analog-to-digital conversion method and circuit

摘要

A high accuracy, high speed, low power analog-to-digital conversion method and circuit. An input signal is sampled and the sample is compared to a scan signal whose amplitude varies with time. A time-to-digital conversion of the sample is obtained. At least two reference signals are also provided which are compared to the scan signal. Time-to-digital conversions of the reference signals are also obtained. The digital value of the sample is determined with reference to the known mathematical description of the scan signal, the time-to-digital conversions and the reference signals. The method and circuit may be employed in stages, where in a first stage, the most significant bits are determined and in a second stage, the least significant bits are determined.