Segmented resistor string digital-to-analog converters
AssigneeMaxim Integrated Products, Inc.
InventorsRichard Nicholson, Simon Churchill
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Segmented resistor string digital-to-analog converters using a resistor string primary converter segment and a current source secondary. The primary converter segment provides conversion of the most significant bits to an analog voltage form and the current source provides conversion of the least significant bits to an analog current form. An output circuit combines the two into a single analog output. Various embodiments are disclosed.
Claims12
A segmented resistor string digital-to-analog converter for converting an N bit digital signal to analog form comprising:
- an M bit resistor string digital-to-analog converter converting the M most significant bits of the digital signal to analog form, where M is less than N;
- a controllable current source providing a current source output controllable in current increments responsive to the N−M least significant bits of the digital signal;
- a circuit coupled to the output of the M bit resistor string digital-to-analog converter and to the controllable current source output providing an output responsive to the combination of the voltage output of the M bit resistor string digital-to-analog converter and the controllable current source output.
A method of digital-to-analog conversion for converting an N bit digital signal to an analog output comprising:
- converting the M most significant bits of the digital signal to an analog voltage, where M is less than N, using an M bit resistor string digital-to-analog converter;
- converting the N−M least significant bits in the digital signal to a current responsive in current increments to the decoded N−M least significant bits;
- providing the analog output by combining the analog voltage of the M bit resistor string digital-to-analog converter and the current responsive to the decoded N−M least significant bits.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.