Systems and methods for a power-efficient 3-level digital-to-analog converter. A converter cell using a current starving technique keeps a portion of the converter cell turned on in a low power mode, as opposed to completely turning off current in selected modes. A conversion system keeps a first set of converters active while allowing a second set of converters to be powered down. Systems and methods presented save power and allow for efficient reactivation of converters.

Instability of an internal state in a current-input-type delta-sigma modulator is reduced in a case where input changes sharply. A signal current is input to a first integration node. A difference current between a fixed current and the signal current is input to a second integration node. A voltage-to-current converter that converts a difference voltage between the voltage of the first integration node and a first reference voltage into a current and outputs it is connected between the first integration node and the second integration node. The voltage of the second integration node is compared with a second reference voltage, and a 1-bit digital signal is output. Current is draws from the first integration node or the second integration node according to the 1-bit digital signal. A short-circuit switch is provided between the first integration node and the second integration node for short-circuiting them.

Systems and methods for improving noise efficiency in a Delta Sigma modulator. A bypass scheme for a noise splitter is disclosed that reduces toggling activity for small signals. In particular, a sample-by-sample bypass noise splitter is disclosed that includes a noise splitting module and a bypass line. The bypass line bypasses the noise splitting module when signals are below a selected threshold, increasing efficiency of the system.

Systems and methods for a power-efficient 3-level digital-to-analog converter. A converter cell using a current starving technique keeps a portion of the converter cell turned on in a low power mode, as opposed to completely turning off current in selected modes. A conversion system keeps a first set of converters active while allowing a second set of converters to be powered down. Systems and methods presented save power and allow for efficient reactivation of converters.

Systems and methods for improving noise efficiency in a Delta Sigma modulator. A bypass scheme for a noise splitter is disclosed that reduces toggling activity for small signals. In particular, a sample-by-sample bypass noise splitter is disclosed that includes a noise splitting module and a bypass line. The bypass line bypasses the noise splitting module when signals are below a selected threshold, increasing efficiency of the system.

An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is provided. The ADC receives an analog input signal and generates a digital code. The ADC includes a sigma-delta modulator (SDM), a decimation filter and a detection circuit. The SDM includes a loop filter, a quantizer and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The loop filter receives the analog input signal. The quantizer is coupled to the loop filter and quantizes an output of the loop filter to generate a digital output signal. The DAC is coupled to the quantizer and the loop filter. The decimation filter is coupled to the SDM and converts the digital output signal into the digital code. The detection circuit is coupled to the SDM and detects a node voltage of the SDM and generate a control signal. The control signal is utilized to control the loop filter, the quantizer, a feedback path of the SDM and/or a feedforward path of the SDM.

Instability of an internal state in a current-input-type delta-sigma modulator is reduced in a case where input changes sharply.

A signal current is input to a first integration node. A difference current between a fixed current and the signal current is input to a second integration node. A voltage-to-current converter that converts a difference voltage between the voltage of the first integration node and a first reference voltage into a current and outputs it is connected between the first integration node and the second integration node. The voltage of the second integration node is compared with a second reference voltage, and a 1-bit digital signal is output. Current is draws from the first integration node or the second integration node according to the 1-bit digital signal. A short-circuit switch is provided between the first integration node and the second integration node for short-circuiting them.

An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is provided. The ADC receives an analog input signal and generates a digital code. The ADC includes a sigma-delta modulator (SDM), a decimation filter and a detection circuit. The SDM includes a loop filter, a quantizer and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The loop filter receives the analog input signal. The quantizer is coupled to the loop filter and quantizes an output of the loop filter to generate a digital output signal. The DAC is coupled to the quantizer and the loop filter. The decimation filter is coupled to the SDM and converts the digital output signal into the digital code. The detection circuit is coupled to the SDM and detects a node voltage of the SDM and generate a control signal. The control signal is utilized to control the loop filter, the quantizer, a feedback path of the SDM and/or a feedforward path of the SDM.

Described is an apparatus which comprises: a first integrator to receive an input signal and to generate a first output; a second integrator to receive the first output or a version of the first output and to generate a second output; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to quantize the second output into a digital representation, the ADC including a detection circuit to detect an overload condition in the second output.

Described is an apparatus which comprises: a first integrator to receive an input signal and to generate a first output; a second integrator to receive the first output or a version of the first output and to generate a second output; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to quantize the second output into a digital representation, the ADC including a detection circuit to detect an overload condition in the second output.