A sub-nanosecond 9-bit accurate ECL comparator using cascaded complementary gain stages

Abstract

A 960-ps propagation delay, 0.5-mV-offset-voltage, emitter-coupled-logic (ECL)-compatible comparator with increased common mode range was designed and fabricated in the CBIC-V complementary bipolar process featuring 10-GHz NPN and 4.3-GHz PNP transistors. This low-offset, subnanosecond comparator was implemented in a semicustom linear array designed for high-performance circuits. Cascaded complementary gain stages using a modified emitter-coupled pair amplifier design permits operation from 3 V to 10 V supplies with less than 100-ps dispersion. A summary of the comparator experimental results is given.<>