Abstract:
The amplifier (1, 2) has an input (2a); an output (2c) supplying an output signal (Vo), and a feedback network (5) connected between the input (2a) and the output (2c), and a distortion detection circuit (1). The feedback network (5; 55) includes a first and a second feedback element (6, 7) arranged in series and forming an intermediate node (10) supplying an intermediate signal (VB) in phase with the output signal (Vo) in absence of distortion, and in phase-opposition with the output signal in presence of distortion. The distortion detection circuit (1) includes a phase-comparating circuit (12, 15) which detects the phase of the output signal (Vo) and of the intermediate signal (VB), and generates a distortion-indicative signal (VCD), when the intermediate signal (VB) is in phase opposition with respect to the output signal (Vo).
Abstract:
In a device that includes a pair of closed-loop voltage regulators each comprising an input transconductance stage receiving a reference voltage and a feedback voltage, an intermediate transresistance stage, an output buffer operatively in cascade for generating on an output node the regulated output voltage and negative feedback means for providing the feedback voltage to the input stage, the method of this invention may be implemented by a circuit that limits the difference between two output regulated voltages. The limiting circuit comprises at least a differential transconductance amplifier input with voltages proportional to the output voltages of the regulators or obtained by adding an offset voltage to the output voltage of the regulators for injecting in or draining from an input node of the intermediate stage of one of the regulators a current in function of the relative unbalance of the differential transconductance amplifier.