Current steering type DAC current source error rapid detection method, device and electronic equipment

Abstract

The application provides a current steering type DAC current source error rapid detection method, device and electronic equipment, a square wave signal composed of N different frequency sub-signals is generated, the amplitude of the high level in the square wave signal is collected, the power supply switch of the current source matched with the high level in the current steering type DAC is controlled to be turned on, the square wave signal and the output current value of the current steering type DAC are collected and displayed by using a spectrum detection device, so that the rapid detection of the output current value of the current steering type DAC is realized, and the current value change of the current source is displayed very obviously on a spectrum diagram.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of integrated circuit technology, and specifically to a method, apparatus, and electronic device for rapid detection of current source error in a current-rudder type DAC. Background Technology

[0002] Digital-to-analog converters (DACs), as the interface between digital systems and the analog world, have received more attention in recent years. In the development of DACs, current-driven DACs have been widely used due to their high-speed characteristics and driving capabilities. However, current-driven DACs require a large number of current sources. In current-driven DACs, accurate current sources are key to ensuring circuit performance. The accuracy of a current source depends on the matching degree of the transistors. However, in the actual manufacturing process, imperfect factors such as edge effects, oxide effects, and mobility effects inevitably lead to transistor mismatch. Therefore, how to quickly detect the error of the current source is a very important issue. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and electronic device for rapid detection of current source error in a current-rudder DAC, so as to realize rapid detection of the current source output current of the current-rudder DAC.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0005] A method for rapid detection of current source error in a current-controlled DAC includes:

[0006] Acquire a square wave signal, which is composed of N sub-signals of different frequencies, each sub-signal having a different high-level amplitude, where N is a positive integer greater than 1;

[0007] When a high-level signal of a certain sub-signal is detected, the power switch of the current source in the current-controlled DAC that is adapted to the sub-signal is turned on.

[0008] The square wave signal and the output current value of the current-controlled DAC are acquired and displayed using a spectrum detection device.

[0009] Optionally, in the above-described method for rapid detection of current source error in a current-rudder DAC, the width of each high level and the width of each low level in the square wave signal are the same.

[0010] Optionally, in the above-mentioned method for rapid detection of current source error in a current-rudder DAC, the amplitudes of the N sub-signals are distributed in an arithmetic sequence.

[0011] Optionally, in the above-mentioned fast detection method for current source error of current-rudder type DAC, the N sub-signals are denoted as the first sub-signal to the Nth sub-signal;

[0012] In the first to the Nth sub-signals, the frequency of the previous sub-signal is X times that of the next sub-signal, where X is greater than 1.

[0013] Optionally, in the above-described method for rapid detection of current source error in a current-rudder DAC, the frequency of the first sub-signal is 1MHz, and the value of N is 8.

[0014] Optionally, the above-mentioned rapid error detection method for current source of current-rudder DAC also includes:

[0015] After the square wave signal is acquired using a spectrum detection device, the spectrum detection device is further used for:

[0016] The frequency values ​​of the N sub-signals collected are detected;

[0017] The frequency of a sub-signal with a frequency value lower than a preset frequency is modulated so that the frequency of the modulated sub-signal is greater than the preset frequency.

[0018] Optionally, the above-mentioned rapid error detection method for current source of current-rudder DAC also includes:

[0019] Determine whether the difference between the output current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC collected by the spectrum detection device at two adjacent moments is greater than a preset value. If it is greater than the preset value, mark the moment when the difference between the current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC is greater than the preset value in the collected output current values.

[0020] Optionally, in the above-mentioned rapid error detection method for current source of current-rudder DAC, there are N high-level signals in one period of the square wave signal, and the amplitude of the subsequent high-level signal is Y times that of the previous high-level signal, where Y is greater than 0 and not equal to 1.

[0021] A fast error detection device for a current source of a current-rudder type DAC includes:

[0022] A square wave signal generator is used to generate a square wave signal, which is composed of N sub-signals of different frequencies. The amplitude of the high level of each sub-signal is different, and N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0023] A switch controller is used to turn on the power switch of the current source in the current-rudder DAC that is adapted to the sub-signal when a high-level signal of a sub-signal in a square wave signal is detected.

[0024] A spectrum detection device is used to acquire and display the square wave signal and the output current value of the current-controlled DAC.

[0025] An electronic device that uses the aforementioned current-rudder type DAC current source error rapid detection device.

[0026] Based on the above technical solution, the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention generates a square wave signal composed of N sub-signals of different frequencies. Based on the amplitude of the high level in the acquired square wave signal, the power switch of the current source in the current-rudder DAC that is adapted to the high level is turned on. The square wave signal and the output current value of the current-rudder DAC are acquired and displayed by a spectrum detection device, thereby realizing the rapid detection of the output current value of the current-rudder DAC. Furthermore, the change of the current value of the current source will be clearly displayed on the spectrum diagram. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an N-bit thermometer code DAC.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the rapid error detection method for current source of a current-rudder DAC disclosed in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of constructing a special square wave signal;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the image above the spectrum.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of signal modulation.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram comparing the modulation process before and after.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the current source error rapid detection device for the current-rudder type DAC disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] The main content of this invention is to propose a method for rapidly detecting current source errors in current-controlled DACs based on a spectrum detection device. In binary code, thermometer code, or segmented current-controlled DACs, there are many current sources. Traditional current source detection methods require detecting each current source one by one, mainly using an ammeter to measure the current magnitude of each source. This method is inefficient, and when the measured current source value differs very little from the reference current value, it is difficult to distinguish, potentially leading to detection failure. This invention proposes a method for rapidly detecting current sources using a spectrum detection device. The changes in current source values ​​are clearly displayed on the spectrum, and even small changes in current value will show significant changes in the detection result. Furthermore, the method is fast and highly efficient.

[0037] In current-controlled DACs, the conduction of the current source is mainly controlled by a switch. After the switch is turned on, the current passes through the load resistor and is converted into a voltage output. The schematic diagram of an N-bit thermometer code DAC is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the traditional testing method involves inputting a specific digital code and then measuring the result using a high-precision multimeter. The proposed method uses a spectrum detection device to construct a special square wave signal for different switch opening voltages. This special square wave signal is used to control the switch's conduction, allowing the amplitude information of the current source corresponding to a specific frequency to be observed on the spectrum detection device.

[0038] For details, see Figure 2 The current source error detection method for current-rudder type DAC disclosed in this application embodiment may include steps S101-S103.

[0039] Step S101: Obtain the square wave signal.

[0040] In this scheme, the square wave signal is a composite signal, which is composed of N sub-signals of different frequencies. The amplitude of the high level of each sub-signal is different, and N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0041] The form of the square wave signal is as follows: Figure 3 The special square wave signal in it is shown. Figure 3The intermediate frequencies f, f / 2, and f / 4 correspond to different signals.

[0042] After acquiring the square wave signal, the spectrum detection device displays the following result: Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The positions corresponding to frequencies f, f / 2, f / 4, and f / 8 shown are used to display the current values ​​collected by the spectrum detection device when the high level of the corresponding sub-signal arrives.

[0043] Step S102: When a high-level signal of a certain sub-signal is detected, the power switch of the current source in the current-controlled DAC that is compatible with the sub-signal is turned on.

[0044] In this scheme, the high level of each sub-signal has a different amplitude. The mapping relationship between the high level of each sub-signal and the power switch in each current-controlled DAC is pre-configured. The power switch corresponding to the high level signal with different amplitude is different. When the high level signal with that amplitude is detected, the corresponding power switch is controlled to enter the conduction state.

[0045] Step S103: Use a spectrum detection device to collect and display the square wave signal and the output current value of the current rudder DAC.

[0046] In this step, a spectrum detection device is used to detect and display the output current value of the current-rudder DAC. Since the high-level generation frequency of each amplitude in the square wave signal is different, the spectrum detection device will detect multiple sub-signals and collect the output current value of the current-rudder DAC when the power switch is turned on, corresponding to the high-level amplitude of each sub-signal, and display it in the area corresponding to the sub-signal.

[0047] In the above scheme, a square wave signal composed of N sub-signals of different frequencies is generated. Based on the amplitude of the high level in the acquired square wave signal, the power switch of the current source in the current-rudder DAC that is adapted to the high level is turned on. The square wave signal and the output current value of the current-rudder DAC are acquired and displayed by a spectrum detection device, thereby realizing the rapid detection of the output current value of the current-rudder DAC. Furthermore, the change of the current value of the current source will be clearly displayed on the spectrum diagram.

[0048] Specifically, in this scheme, each sub-signal in the constructed square wave signal is used to control the conduction state of different current sources in the current-controlled DAC. The spectrum detection device can sample the square wave signal based on the frequency adapted to each sub-signal. Assuming that the amplitude of the sampled square wave signal is m when the sampling frequency is f, the first current source in the current-controlled DAC can be turned on. The spectrum of the spectrum detection device will display the amplitude information of the current collected at frequency f. When the sampling frequency is f / 2, the amplitude of the square wave signal is n1 (n1 != m, n 1 can be a value other than m (e.g., 2m or 3m). In this case, the first two current sources in the current-controlled DAC can be turned on. The amplitude information of the current collected at this time is displayed on the spectrum graph on the spectrum detection device. Similarly, assuming that the amplitude of the sampled square wave signal is n2 (n2 is different from the amplitude of the first two) when the sampling frequency is f / 4, the first three current sources can be turned on. The magnitude of the current collected at this time is displayed on the spectrum graph on the spectrum detection device. The detection is carried out in this way. In this way, only one square wave signal of the above form is needed to complete the detection of multiple current sources.

[0049] When the current-controlled DAC has a large number of bits, it will have many current sources. To avoid the spectrum detection device being unable to display too much amplitude information, only a limited number of current sources can be detected at a time. For example, it can detect 8 or 16 current sources at a time. In this case, the corresponding square wave signal is composed of 8 or 16 sub-signals of different frequencies. When two different sub-signals are both high-level signals at the same position, the square wave signal at that position is the high-level signal of the sub-signal with the higher amplitude. In this way, the current sources of the current-controlled DAC can be detected in several steps, that is, multiple square wave signals are generated and executed sequentially. The amplitude of the high level of these square wave signals is different, thereby avoiding the situation where the spectrum detection device cannot display too much data, and the detection efficiency is also much faster than the traditional detection method. The idea behind constructing a special square wave is to have a standard square wave with frequency f, then construct an irregular square wave signal with frequency f / 2, an irregular square wave signal with frequency f / 4, and so on. Finally, these square wave signals are accumulated to form a special square wave signal used to detect the current source in the DAC. The process of constructing the special square wave signal is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The image information displayed on the spectrum detection device is as follows. Figure 4 As shown.

[0050] In another embodiment of this application, to make the measurement results of the spectrum detection device more accurate, the width of each high level and the width of each low level in the square wave signal are the same. Furthermore, the amplitudes of the high levels of the N sub-signals can be distributed in an arithmetic sequence. If the N sub-signals are denoted as the first sub-signal to the Nth sub-signal, then in the first to Nth sub-signals, the frequency of the preceding sub-signal is X times that of the following sub-signal, where X is greater than 1. For example, when X is 2, the frequency of the first sub-signal is 1MHz, and the frequency of the next sub-signal is 1MHz / 2. 2 The frequency of the next sub-signal after frequency division is 1MHz / 2. 3 If the value of N is 8, then the frequency of the last sub-signal is At this time, there are N high-level signals in one cycle of the square wave signal, and the amplitude of the subsequent high-level signal is Y times that of the previous high-level signal, where the value of Y is greater than 0 and not equal to 1. By normalizing the width of the high and low levels of the square wave signal, the display results of the spectrum detection device are made more standardized.

[0051] When constructing the aforementioned special square wave signal, the frequency of the first sub-signal will not be very high. When dividing the signal to obtain the next sub-signal, if the division factor is large, the frequency of the last divided result will be very low. This will result in a significant difference between the frequency of the Nth sub-signal obtained from the last division and the frequency of the first sub-signal. Assuming the frequency of the first sub-signal is f = 1 MHz, and 8 data points are detected each time, with a division factor of 2, the frequency of the Nth sub-signal obtained from the last division will be... The initial frequency and the frequency of the Nth sub-signal derived from the last frequency division are no longer on the same order of magnitude. This results in a large frequency range when displayed on a spectrum analyzer. Furthermore, spectrum analyzers typically detect high-frequency signals. To improve the accuracy of the results displayed on the spectrum analyzer, the detected sub-signal needs to be modulated, shifting the lower-frequency sub-signal to a higher frequency range. This requires multiplying the low-frequency signal (modulation signal) with a high-frequency signal to perform spectrum shifting, moving it to the higher frequency space. The specific modulation principle is as follows... Figure 5 As shown, the results before and after modulation are as follows: Figure 6 As shown, in the above scheme, after the square wave signal is acquired by the spectrum detection device, it is also used to: detect the frequency values ​​of the acquired N sub-signals, and modulate the frequency of the sub-signals whose frequency values ​​are lower than the preset frequency, so that the frequency of the modulated sub-signals is greater than the preset frequency.

[0052] In another embodiment of the technical solution disclosed in this application, in order to better alert the user that the current value of the current source collected by the spectrum detection device is abnormal, this solution further includes:

[0053] Determine whether the difference between the output current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC collected by the spectrum detection device at two adjacent moments is greater than a preset value. If it is greater than the preset value, mark the moment when the difference between the current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC is greater than the preset value in the collected output current values.

[0054] This embodiment discloses a fast detection device for current source error of a current-rudder type DAC. For the specific working content of each unit in the device, please refer to the content of the above method embodiment.

[0055] The following describes the fast detection device for current source error of current-rudder DAC provided in the embodiments of the present invention. The fast detection device for current source error of current-rudder DAC described below can be referred to in correspondence with the fast detection method for current source error of current-rudder DAC described above.

[0056] Corresponding to the above method, this application also discloses a fast error detection device for a current-rudder type DAC current source, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The device may include:

[0057] Square wave signal generator A, which corresponds to step S101 in the above method, is used to generate a square wave signal. The square wave signal is composed of N sub-signals of different frequencies, and the amplitude of the high level of each sub-signal is different. N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0058] Switch controller B, which corresponds to step S102 in the above method, is used to control the power switch of the current source in the current rudder DAC that is adapted to the sub-signal to be turned on when a high-level signal of a certain sub-signal in the square wave signal is detected.

[0059] The spectrum detection device C, which corresponds to step S103 in the above method, is used to acquire and display the square wave signal and the output current value of the current-rudder DAC.

[0060] Corresponding to the above method, the above apparatus may further include:

[0061] A comparator is used to determine whether the difference between the output current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC collected by the spectrum detection device at two adjacent moments is greater than a preset value. When it is greater than the preset value, the moment when the difference between the current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC is greater than the preset value is marked in the collected output current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC.

[0062] Corresponding to the above-mentioned device, an electronic device is characterized by employing the current-rudder type DAC current source error rapid detection device as described in claim 9.

[0063] In summary, the advantage of this invention lies in its innovative use of a spectrum detection device to quickly detect the current source in a current-controlled DAC, compared to the traditional method of using voltmeters and ammeters to detect the current magnitude. This significantly improves the detection speed.

[0064] Because spectrum analyzers have advantages such as a wide detection range and significant amplitude information changes, they can quickly detect current sources. Furthermore, they can display multiple frequency information values, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple current sources and improving detection efficiency. Even small differences between the actual and ideal current source values ​​are clearly displayed on the spectrum analyzer, resulting in more accurate detection results. Since the switching frequencies vary during testing, the spectrum information displayed at a specific frequency accurately corresponds to the specific current source. To avoid excessively wide frequency ranges displayed on the spectrum analyzer, the frequency range is shifted to a single order of magnitude, further enhancing accuracy.

[0065] For ease of description, the above system is described by dividing it into various modules based on their functions. Of course, in implementing this invention, the functions of each module can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware components.

[0066] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for system or system embodiments, since they are basically similar to method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments. The systems and system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0068] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly by hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software module can be located in random access memory (RAM), main memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0069] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0070] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for rapid detection of current source error in a current-controlled DAC, characterized in that, include: A square wave signal is acquired, which is composed of N sub-signals of different frequencies. The N sub-signals are denoted as the first sub-signal to the Nth sub-signal. In the first sub-signal to the Nth sub-signal, the frequency of the previous sub-signal is X times that of the next sub-signal, where X is greater than 1. The amplitude of the high level of each sub-signal is different. The amplitudes of the N sub-signals are distributed in an arithmetic sequence. The width of each high level and the width of each low level in the square wave signal are the same. N is a positive integer greater than 1. When a high-level signal of a certain sub-signal is detected, the power switch of the current source in the current-controlled DAC that is adapted to the sub-signal is turned on. The square wave signal and the output current value of the current-controlled DAC are acquired and displayed using a spectrum detection device.

2. The method for rapid detection of current source error in a current-rudder type DAC according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency of the first sub-signal is 1MHz, and the value of N is 8.

3. The method for rapid error detection of current source in a current-rudder type DAC according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: After the square wave signal is acquired using a spectrum detection device, the spectrum detection device is further used for: The frequency values ​​of the N sub-signals collected are detected; The frequency of a sub-signal with a frequency value lower than a preset frequency is modulated so that the frequency of the modulated sub-signal is greater than the preset frequency.

4. The method for rapid error detection of current source in a current-rudder type DAC according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Determine whether the difference between the output current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC collected by the spectrum detection device at two adjacent moments is greater than a preset value. If it is greater than the preset value, mark the moment when the difference between the current values ​​of the current-rudder DAC is greater than the preset value in the collected output current values.

5. The method for rapid detection of current source error in a current-rudder type DAC according to claim 3, characterized in that, The square wave signal has N high-level signals in one period, and the amplitude of the subsequent high-level signal is Y times that of the previous high-level signal, where Y is greater than 0 and not equal to 1.

6. A rapid error detection device for a current source in a current-rudder type DAC, characterized in that, include: A square wave signal generator is used to generate a square wave signal, which is composed of N sub-signals of different frequencies. The N sub-signals are denoted as the first sub-signal to the Nth sub-signal. In the first sub-signal to the Nth sub-signal, the frequency of the previous sub-signal is X times that of the next sub-signal, where X is greater than 1. The amplitude of the high level of each sub-signal is different. The amplitudes of the N sub-signals are distributed in an arithmetic sequence. The width of each high level and the width of each low level in the square wave signal are the same. N is a positive integer greater than 1. A switch controller is used to turn on the power switch of the current source in the current-rudder DAC that is adapted to the sub-signal when a high-level signal of a sub-signal in a square wave signal is detected. A spectrum detection device is used to acquire and display the square wave signal and the output current value of the current-controlled DAC.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that, The application includes the current-rudder type DAC current source error rapid detection device as described in claim 6.

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