Experimental results on the current-mode WTA-MAX circuit with multi-chip capability

Abstract

This paxer g e s e n t s experimental results on the current-mo e TA-MAX circuit with multi-chip capability presented recently 111, [2]. The circuit technique used is based on current replication, transport and comparison. Traditional techniques rely on the matching of an arra of N transistors, where N is the number of system inputs. $his im lies that when N increases, the size of the circuit and the %stance between transistors also increases, resulting in transistor matching degradation and loss of precision in the overall system performance. Furthermore, when multi-chip systems are required, the transistor matchin is even worse and erformance is drastically degradefi. The circuit presentetin this paper does not rely on the proper matching of N transistors, but on the precise re lication of currents, performed b current mirrors with a gmited number of outputs. Thus 3 can increase without degrading the precision, even if the system is distributed among several chips. Also, the different chips constituting the system can be of different foundries without de rading the overall system precision. Experimental res& are presented that attest these facts.