Reconfigurable Voltage-Controlled Current-Voltage Source for DACs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) either have current or voltage output, but not both, leading to increased complexity, layout area, and power consumption, with unidirectional current output limiting their applications.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable voltage-controlled current-voltage source device that provides bidirectional output, allowing both current and voltage sourcing/sinking from a single output pin, using a differential amplifier and secondary amplifiers to mitigate switch resistance effects and enable hot switching between operation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate analogue blocks are used for current and voltage outputs, then both current and voltage outputs are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate current output and voltage output analogue blocks into a single reconfigurable output block. This single block can be configured to provide either current output or voltage output through switchable connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to provide both types of outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable output block is designed to perform multiple functions - it can operate as a current source, voltage source, or provide both outputs simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated blocks for each output type, reducing overall device complexity while preserving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate analogue blocks are used for current and voltage outputs, then both current and voltage outputs are provided, but layout area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate current and voltage output analogue blocks into a single reconfigurable output block, significantly reducing the layout area required. By sharing common components and using switchable connections instead of dedicated separate blocks, the overall area occupied by the output stage is minimized while maintaining full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate analogue blocks are used for current and voltage outputs, then both current and voltage outputs are provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate current and voltage output blocks into a single reconfigurable block, reducing the total number of active components and thereby lowering power consumption. The shared architecture means that not all components need to be active simultaneously, and common biasing circuits can be used, reducing overall power requirements.
4Device complexity
If unidirectional current output is used, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but range of applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reconfigurable output that can switch between different operating modes (current source, voltage source, bidirectional current) based on application requirements. This dynamic capability allows the same simple circuit architecture to adapt to various application needs, expanding the range of applications without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is enclosed in the area of voltage / voltage and voltage / current conversion, in particular with reconfigurable properties, and more specifically applied to digital-to-analogue conversion. It is an object of the present invention a reconfigurable voltage controlled current-voltage source device comprising two signal inputs, a single signal output, five resistors, four switches, a differential amplifier and two secondary amplifiers, such elements being connected in a way that provides an ability to reconfigure the output as a controlled current source or as a controlled voltage source by means of the right combination of the four switches states. Therefore, it enables the usage of a single circuitry, providing a single output. It is also an object of the present invention a digital-to-analogue converter which comprises said device and an apparatus, such as a controller, namely comprising a microcontroller or a microprocessor, comprising such digital-to-analogue converter.