Optimizing the performance of switched current circuits

Switched Current (SI) samplers are classified as either saturation samplers or triode samplers, based on the operating mode of the sampling transistor. The speed, SNR and power dissipation along with optimum bias levels are then found for the two sampling structures. Based on the analysis, an SI sampler based on the saturation mode offers the best overall performance. If a sampler based on the triode mode is used, its performance can be maximized with the use of a regulated cascode structure.