Comparator, analog-to-digital converter and method of analog-to-digital conversion using non-linear magneto-electronic device

摘要

An analog-to-digital converter for converting an analog input signal to a digital output signal is described. The ADC includes a comparator circuit having first to n<th >stages of comparators responsive to the analog input signal. Each comparator includes a plurality of magnetoelectronic devices for performing comparison function. Each magnetoelectronic device has one or more ferromagnetic elements capable of being switched into a first or second magnetization states. The amplitude of analog input signal upon exceeding a predetermined threshold level (IS or VS) of a respective magnetoelectronic device sets a magnetization state of the respective magnetoelectronic device to the first state and the resulting output of the respective magnetoelectronic device to a HIGH state, and vice-versa. In one embodiment, the magnetoelectronic device is a Hybrid Hall Effect device. In another embodiment, the magnetoelectronic device is an isolator.