Current-Steering DAC Calibration Using Non-Binary Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital-to-analog converters (DACs) using binary encoding methods struggle to effectively improve errors in internal circuits during calibration, leading to reduced reliability and increased calibration time.
Innovation Solution
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) device employing a current-steering DAC circuitry and a calibration circuitry that utilizes a non-binary search algorithm to generate a calibration signal, improving the calibration process by comparing signals generated from least significant bits and most significant bits of the input signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If binary encoding method is used during calibration, then the calibration process is simple, but it is unable to effectively improve errors in internal circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the calibration algorithm from binary encoding to non-binary encoding. This parameter change enables the calibration process to effectively identify and correct errors in internal circuits that binary encoding cannot detect, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calibration algorithm continuously monitors comparison results between first and second signals, and adjusts calibration signals accordingly. This feedback loop enables iterative error correction, improving calibration effectiveness while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic error reduction
2Productivity
If binary encoding method is used during calibration, then the algorithm is simple, but the calibration time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from binary to non-binary encoding, the patent increases the information content per calibration step. This parameter change allows the algorithm to converge faster by eliminating more potential error sources in each iteration, thereby reducing overall calibration time despite the slightly more complex algorithm
Solution Approach 2:
The non-binary encoding algorithm enables the calibration process to skip unnecessary comparison steps by directly identifying error patterns that binary encoding would require multiple sequential steps to detect. This skipping mechanism rushes through redundant calibration iterations, significantly reducing total calibration time
Data Source
AI summary
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) device includes a current-steering DAC circuitry and a calibration circuitry. The current-steering DAC circuitry generates a first signal according to multiple least significant bits of an input signal, and generates a second signal according to multiple most significant bits of the input signal. The calibration circuitry performs a non-binary search algorithm to generate a calibration signal in response to a comparison result of the first signal and the second signal, in order to calibrate the current-steering DAC circuitry according to the calibration signal.