摘要 |
<p>A window tracking analog to digital convertor (10) and method of signal conversion is disclosed. A sample and hold amplifier (16) samples an analog input signal and passes the sampled signal to a window comparator (20). The window comparator (20) analyzes the analog input signal to determine if its amplitude falls between upper and lower reference levels which establish a tracking 'window'. If the amplitude of the signal falls outside of the window, a control processor (34) and window reference tracker (24) adjusts the reference levels in the direction of the reference level which was exceeded until the analog input signal falls within the window, the adjusted reference level in the direction of adjustment representing the level of the sampled signal. A continuous interval timer (38) counts the amount of time that the analog input signal remained within the window. Once the window is adjusted, a digital output signal represented by the amplitude of the sampled signal and the number of timing intervals is sent an instrument such as a computer for use.</p> |