A time coding analog-to-digital converter

An idea for a time-coding analog-to-digital converter using an exponential voltage sweep is presented. The technique inherently offers the possibility of convenient automatic recalibration in order to compensate for long-term drift. Thus, the converter is particularly well suited for on-line use in automatic digital data reduction systems. Attention is paid to the calibration and use of the converter. A design procedure is suggested and the obtainable accuracy evaluated in terms of the design parameters. Some comments are made concerning the merits of the scheme as compared with the most common existing systems.