Analogue-to-digital converter

Abstract

This application relates to analogue-to-digital converters (ADCs). An ADC 200 has a first converter ( 201 ) for receiving an analogue input signal (AIN) and outputting a time encode signal (DT), such as a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal, based on input signal and a first conversion gain setting (GIN). In some embodiments the first converter has a PWM modulator ( 401 ) for generating a PWM signal such that the input signal is encoded by pulse widths that can vary continuously in time. A second converter ( 202 ) receives the time encoded signal and outputs a digital output signal (DOUT) based on the time encoded signal (DT) and a second conversion gain setting (GO). The second converter may have a first PWM-to-digital modulator ( 403 ). A gain allocation block ( 204 ) generates the first and second conversion gain settings based on the time encoded signal (DT). The gain allocation block ( 204 ) may have a second PWM-to-digital modulator ( 203 ) which may be of lower latency and/or lower resolution that the first PWM-to-digital modulator ( 403 ).

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . An analogue to digital converter for converting an analogue input signal into a corresponding digital output signal comprising:
 a first time encoding converter for receiving said analogue input signal and outputting a time encoded signal based on said analogue input signal and a first conversion gain setting, wherein the time encoded signal encodes the input signal by the timing of signal transitions that can vary continuously in time,   a first time decoding converter for receiving said time encoded signal and outputting said output digital signal based on said time encoded signal and a second conversion gain setting; and   a gain allocation block for generating the said first and second conversion gain settings based on the time encoded signal.   
     
     
         21 .- 22 . (canceled)