An amplifier includes a first comparator, a second comparator, and an output switch. The first and second comparators respectively compare a pair of differential signals with a half-swing modulation signal to generate first and second pulse-width-modulation (PWM) control signals, wherein a voltage swing of the half-swing modulation signal is smaller than voltage swing of the differential signals. The output switch includes a pair of inputs coupled to receive the PWM control signals to provide a ternary encoded output signal in response to the PWM control signals.