MONOTONIC SEGMENTED DIGITAL TO ANALOG CONVERTER

摘要

In one implementation, a digital analog converter (DAC) is monotonic because the output moves only in the direction of the input and segmented because a more significant portion of the DAC is separated from a less significant portion. The DAC receives an input binary word that includes multiple most significant bits and multiple least significant bits. The DAC decodes the input binary word to an intermediate signal that includes a bit width equal to or greater than a bit width of the binary word. The intermediate signal sets output switches and current source switches. The DAC provides an analog output signal that represents the input binary word.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving an input binary word, wherein the binary word includes a plurality of most significant bits and a plurality of least significant bits; decoding the input binary word to an intermediate signal, wherein the intermediate signal includes a bit width equal to or greater than a bit width of the binary word; setting a plurality of output switches according to the intermediate signal, wherein the plurality of output switches includes a pair of switches for each state of the plurality of most significant bits and a pair of switches for each state of the plurality of least significant bits; setting a plurality of current source switches according to the intermediate signal, wherein the plurality of current source switches includes a pair of switches for each state of the plurality of most significant bits; and providing an analog output signal that represents the input binary word, wherein the analog output signal is controlled by the plurality of output switches and the plurality of current source switches.