DAC Circuit Topology for Non-Monotonic Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital to analog converters (DACs) face challenges in achieving non-monotonic transfer functions, which are necessary in certain applications like offset compensation, where accurate conversion of digital codes to analog signals is not required but specific analog values need to be identified.
Innovation Solution
The design of DAC circuitry incorporating arrays of selectable conversion elements, such as resistances or current sources, configured to produce non-monotonic transfer functions by varying resistance values or current sources, allowing for overlapping output signal ranges and small step sizes between analog values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional DACs use standard monotonic transfer functions, then accurate conversion between digital and analog domains is achieved, but the ability to identify specific analog values for offset compensation applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transfer function adaptable - the DAC can operate in either monotonic mode for accurate conversion or non-monotonic mode for offset compensation. The system dynamically switches between operational modes based on application requirements, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transfer function parameter from monotonic to non-monotonic to enable offset compensation applications. By modifying the transfer characteristic of the DAC, the system can produce overlapping output ranges that allow identification of specific analog values, thus adapting the converter for calibration and compensation purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If DACs are designed with non-monotonic transfer functions for offset compensation, then the ability to identify specific analog values is improved, but conversion accuracy for general applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its transfer function characteristics based on the operational mode required. When offset compensation is needed, it switches to non-monotonic operation; when accurate conversion is prioritized, it operates in monotonic mode, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision
3Productivity
If arrays of selectable conversion elements are used to produce non-monotonic transfer functions, then overlapping output signal ranges with small step sizes are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DAC output range into multiple overlapping subranges, each accessible through specific input code ranges. This segmentation allows efficient identification of analog values by dividing the search space, improving productivity while managing complexity through structured organization of the conversion elements
Solution Approach 2:
The same array of selectable conversion elements serves multiple functions: it can produce monotonic transfer functions for accurate conversion and non-monotonic transfer functions for offset compensation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides digital to analog conversion circuitry comprising: a set of input nodes for receiving a digital input code; an output node for outputting an analog output signal representative of the input code; and a plurality of selectable conversion elements, wherein a parameter of each of the plurality of selectable conversion elements is configured such that a transfer function between the input code and the output analog signal is non-monotonic.