Integrated circuit device for digital-to-analog signal converting

Abstract

A mixed-signal integrated circuit device, such as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), has a serial interface communication protocol that accesses volatile and / or non-volatile memory and whenever the mixed-signal device is powered on allows preprogrammed output voltages. However, unlike conventional DACs, DACs with non-volatile memory may require special interface communication protocols for efficient operation of the DAC and communication between the system main controller unit (MCU). Provide an interface communication protocol that does not violate standard serial bus communication protocols for communication between the volatile and non-volatile memories of the DAC so that the MCU can access the DAC memory (non-volatile and / or volatile memory). The mixed signal integrated circuit device has a user programmable address.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that store configuration and address information, as well as input data, in non-volatile memory; and more particularly to having non-volatile memory and using , I 2 C, SPI, USB, SCIO, UNI / O, etc.) serial communication protocol multi-channel DAC. Background technique [0002] Current art DAC devices store configuration information and input data in volatile memory. When operating power is removed from the DAC device and associated volatile memory, configuration information and input data stored in the volatile memory are lost. For example, a DAC device can be used to output a programmable analog voltage. Programming bits (eg, digital representations of analog voltages) are stored in volatile DAC registers, whereby their contents are released when power is removed. After initial power-up of the DAC device, the DAC registers are cleared or their contents are not predictable until the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Having to program up to eight different address masks into an otherwise identical mixed-signal device increases manufacturing time and cost, and results in as many as eight different parts having to be stocked and shipped

Also, having mixed-signal devices with non-field programmable addresses can become inconvenient in some applications

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