An A/D converter of an successive approximation type according to the
present invention comprises a sample hold circuit, a reference voltage
generating circuit, a comparator for comparing the reference voltage
generated by the reference voltage generating circuit to a value of the
input analog signal retained in the sample hold circuit, a control
circuit for successively controlling the reference voltage generating
circuit so that a value of the reference voltage approximates to the
value of the input analog signal retained in the sample hold circuit, a
buffering circuit for outputting an output value corresponding to an
output voltage of the comparator, a latch circuit for retaining the
output value of the buffering circuit corresponding to the output value
of the comparator per bit as a digital value, and a buffering control
circuit for blocking a power supply to the buffering circuit during the
sampling period is provided.