Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An adaptive active filtering method and apparatus that detects changes in noise conditions and reduces the signal propagation speed as noise conditions worsen. This active filter has a level shifting inverter, which inverts the input signal and converts the logic levels of the input signal into chip logic levels. This inverted input signal is presented at the input of a driver inverter, which once again inverts the signal. This second inversion filters out input noise, because a voltage controlled device (which is attached to the driver inverter) reduces the switching speed of this inverter as the noise condition worsen; this reduction in switching speed reduces the propagation speed and thus filters out noise. In addition, two cascaded voltage generator circuits create a reference voltage generator, that enables the voltage controlled device to detect changes in noise conditions, by providing it with a reference voltage that varies in a controlled and specific manner with the changes in transistor conductance parameters, power supply voltages, and operating temperatures. This reference voltage generator controls the variance of the reference voltage in two manners. First, this generator utilizes a positive temperature coefficient floating voltage source to increase (in a controlled fashion) the variance of the reference voltage with changes in the temperature. Second, this generator uses a feedback path, between the first and the second voltage generator circuits, to compensate for uncontrolled variations of the reference voltage due to process variations in transistor conductance parameters.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim