ECL TO CMOS SIGNAL CONVERTER CIRCUIT INCLUDING TOGGLE-FAULT DETECTION

摘要

An ECL to CMOS signal converter circuit including built-in toggle-fault detection circuitry and method of conversion are provided in which an RF transformer is used to translate ECL level digital signals to CMOS level signals. A diode biasing circuit shifts the average DC level of the CMOS level signals in a positive direction to avoid signal undershoot. An AC peak detection circuit is connected to the inactive leg of the RF transformer to monitor toggling of the ECL level input signal lines. A DC comparator circuit compares the detected peak voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage, and generates an alarm signal representing a toggle-fault whenever the detected peak voltage is lower than the predetermined threshold.