Multi-Mode DAC Circuit for Programmable Voltage and Current Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital-to-analog converters (DACs) require multiple independent circuits to produce both voltage and current outputs, increasing component count and space usage, as they are typically limited to fixed resolutions and data rates, and cannot dynamically switch between voltage and current modes.

Innovation Solution

A multi-mode DAC that operates in multiple modes, including voltage, current, and voltage-current modes, using a single circuitry block to provide programmable voltage and current outputs, with a programmable trimming circuit to adjust output ranges and dynamically select current source or sink functionality, allowing for flexible resolution, data rate, and analog signal format support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent circuits are used to provide both voltage and current outputs, then the DAC functionality is complete, but the component count and space usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDAC functionalityVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines voltage-DAC and current-DAC functionalities into a single integrated circuit block. The multiplexer dynamically switches the output between voltage and current modes, eliminating the need for separate independent circuits while maintaining complete DAC functionality for both voltage and current outputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single DAC circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically switching between voltage-output mode and current-output mode. The multiplexer enables the same circuit block to serve as either a voltage-DAC or a current-DAC based on operational requirements, achieving universality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed resolution DACs are used, then the circuit design is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying resolution requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution adaptabilityVSAvoidcircuit design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resolution switching capability where the DAC can change its resolution between 6-bit and 8-bit modes during operation. This is achieved through dynamic control of the multiplexer and internal circuit configuration, allowing the system to adapt to varying resolution requirements without requiring multiple fixed-resolution DAC circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If separate voltage-DAC and current-DAC circuits are used, then each DAC can be optimized for its specific function, but the space and component requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDAC optimizationVSAvoidspace usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges voltage-DAC and current-DAC circuits into a single integrated block, reducing space usage while maintaining the optimization benefits of dedicated voltage and current output paths. The multiplexer enables seamless switching between modes, and the shared circuitry is designed to maintain high reliability for both voltage and current output functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8089384B1Programmable digital-to-analog converter

Publication Date: 2012.01.03 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AMERICAS CORP

AI summary

A multi-mode digital-to-analog converter (DAC) configured to operate in a plurality of modes.