Reference-Rotated DAC Elements for Flicker Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data-weighted averaging (DWA) techniques for digital-to-analog converters (DACs) do not effectively address flicker noise issues, which worsen as transistor processes shrink, leading to increased noise in DAC elements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of reference-rotated data-weighted averaging (RRDWA) dynamically rotates DAC elements to act as reference elements, reducing in-band flicker noise by smearing it into thermal noise levels and eliminating distortions due to element mismatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional DWA techniques are used to handle DAC element mismatches, then element mismatch distortions are reduced, but in-band flicker noise increases as transistor processes shrink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of reference elements that changes over time according to a rotating index, rather than using a fixed reference element. This dynamic approach spreads the flicker noise from any single DAC element across the entire frequency spectrum through time-varying modulation, reducing in-band flicker noise while maintaining correction of element mismatch distortions through the DWA algorithm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic rotation of the reference element index through a rotating index mechanism that cycles through different DAC elements in a systematic sequence. This periodic switching of reference elements modulates the flicker noise to higher frequency bands where it can be filtered, while the periodic nature ensures all elements are fairly utilized and mismatch corrections are consistently applied
2Object-affected harmful factors
If more DAC elements are used to reduce flicker noise through averaging, then in-band flicker noise decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the DAC system to self-manage flicker noise reduction by dynamically rotating which elements serve as reference elements, allowing the system to utilize all available DAC elements for noise averaging without requiring external control mechanisms. The rotating index automatically distributes reference roles across elements, achieving noise reduction through self-organized temporal diversity rather than complex external coordination
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least some embodiments, an electronic device comprises a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) having a DAC element array. Reference-rotated data weighted averaging (RRDWA) is applied to the DAC element array.