Time-Interleaved DA Converter for Low-Distortion High-Speed Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital-to-analog (DA) conversion circuits face challenges in reducing distortion due to switching noise, especially at high speeds, as existing noise reduction techniques are insufficient to maintain distortion characteristics under high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed DA converter employs a configuration with multiple current output units and noise reduction units that independently discharge noise components through time-interleaving operations, using switches and buffers to control the switching timing and feedback paths, allowing for high-speed data conversion without degrading distortion characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed switching operations are performed in the DA conversion circuit, then conversion speed is improved, but distortion increases due to switching noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current output circuit into multiple current output units (first current output unit and second current output unit), each handling different portions of the digital signal. This segmentation allows parallel processing of digital signals, enabling high-speed conversion while distributing the switching noise across multiple units, thereby maintaining low distortion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs time-interleaved switching operations where the first and second current output units alternately switch based on divided digital signals. By coordinating the switching timing of multiple units with periodic alternation, the system achieves high-speed conversion while the periodic nature of switching helps regularize and reduce noise interference, preventing distortion.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple current output units are used to reduce distortion, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple current output units into a unified DA conversion architecture where the outputs of the first and second current output units are combined at the output stage. This merging approach allows the system to benefit from multiple parallel processing paths for reduced distortion while presenting a single integrated interface, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each current output unit is designed with universal functionality to handle different portions of the digital signal independently. The first and second current output units share the same operational characteristics and can process various signal types, making the multi-unit system adaptable and reducing overall complexity through standardized modular design.
3Manufacturing precision
If switching timing is controlled to reduce noise, then conversion speed decreases due to additional holding periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary switching actions where the first and second current output units are switched in advance based on divided digital signals before the final conversion is complete. By performing switching operations preliminarily and coordinating them with time-interleaving, the system reduces switching noise without requiring extended holding periods, thereby maintaining high conversion speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by having the first and second current output units operate in parallel with time-interleaved switching. This continuous operation allows the DA conversion to proceed without interruption or extended holding periods, as one unit can be switching while the other maintains the output, thereby preserving high conversion speed while reducing noise.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a DA converter for outputting an analog signal according to an input digital signal, including a plurality of current output units to be input with the digital signal, which output a current according to the digital signal to a corresponding wiring, a conversion unit provided with a plurality of feedback paths respectively coupled to wirings corresponding to the current output units, and which selects at least one wiring among the wirings corresponding to the current output units and output an analog signal according to a current flowing in the selected wiring, and a first noise reduction unit provided with a plurality of first switches each of which switches whether to electrically connect to at least one wiring among the wirings corresponding to the current output units, and reduces a noise component generated in at least one of the plurality of current output units from the electrically coupled wiring.