In an A/D converter, each preamp 102 includes a preamp gain adjusting
circuit 109. The preamp gain adjusting circuit 109 suppresses the gain of
the preamp 102 and restricts a positive-negative output potential
difference of the preamp only when the positive-negative output potential
difference of the preamp 102 exceeds a reference potential. Accordingly,
in the case where the frequency of an input signal to the A/D converter
is high, even when the gain of the preamp is increased due to fabrication
process variation, temperature variation or supply voltage variation,
output strain of the preamp is minimally caused, and the characteristic
degradation of the A/D converter can be suppressed.