What is this circuit used for?

[tc1220]

I encountered a circuit called PWPM (pulse width and pulse position modulation )generator clock receiver (RX) in the paper.
I am wondering how does this circuit work? (From the context of the paper, it should be a limiter, but i'm not sure yet)
The circuit is attached

 

[tc1220]

The inputs in+ in- may be two outphased signals

 

[abab1394]

You can think it as a fullly-dfifferential amplifier. ( if M3X,M4X W/L less than M3,M4)

In PWM, I think it's used as a comparator.

 

[tc1220]

Thanks for your reply.
But the problem is that the upper transistors are NMOS instead of PMOS, the input impedence of M3 is very small, how can it be an amplifier?

 

[love_analog]

VEry interesing. It does work as a low gain stage. Is it being used as a sort of a level shifter. Did you ever simulate it vs using pmos and seeing the difference.

 

[tc1220]

Sure. i got confused when NMOS, the waveform is really strange... It is reasonable when PMOS since it is a differential comparator with latch.

 

[pankajdudulwar]

Is it multi-vibrator kind of stuff.