Vernier DAC Architecture for Higher Conversion Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital-to-analog converters face limitations in conversion accuracy due to manufacturing technology, environmental factors, and noise, restricting the maximum achievable accuracy to around 20-22 binary digits, and existing methods do not effectively enhance precision beyond these limitations.
Innovation Solution
The Vernier digital-to-analog conversion method employs two parallel conversions using different dimensional scales, where high-order and low-order bits are processed separately, with digital multiplication and algebraic addition of the resulting signals to improve accuracy, allowing for increased precision without stringent requirements on all DAC components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional digital-to-analog conversion methods are used with standard manufacturing technology, then the conversion accuracy is limited to around 20-22 binary digits, but improving manufacturing precision to achieve higher accuracy would significantly increase device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The control code is segmented into two parts: a first code portion and a second code portion. The first DAC converts the first code portion to a first analog signal, while the second DAC converts the second code portion to a second analog signal. This segmentation allows each DAC to operate with relaxed precision requirements while achieving high overall conversion accuracy through the combination of both signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a temporal dimension by sequentially switching between two different reference signals (first reference signal and second reference signal) that have different levels. The analog signals are generated at different reference levels and then combined, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the conversion process that enables higher accuracy without proportionally increasing manufacturing precision requirements for each component.
2Measurement precision
If higher precision DAC components are manufactured to improve conversion accuracy, then conversion accuracy increases, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the conversion task between two DACs with relaxed precision requirements, the manufacturing burden is segmented and distributed. Each DAC can be manufactured with standard precision tolerances, making production easier and more cost-effective, while the system as a whole achieves high conversion accuracy through the coordinated operation of both DACs with different reference signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the reference signal parameter (reference level) between the two DACs. The first DAC uses a first reference signal at one level, while the second DAC uses a second reference signal at a different level. This parameter change allows the system to achieve extended dynamic range and higher accuracy without requiring each individual DAC to be manufactured with ultra-high precision.
3Productivity
If standard reference signals are used in digital-to-analog conversion, then the dynamic range is limited, but expanding the dynamic range would require multiple reference signals with different levels increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic range expansion is achieved by segmenting the reference signal system into two separate reference signals with different levels. The first reference signal covers one range, while the second reference signal covers another range. This segmentation of the reference signal system allows the DAC to achieve extended dynamic range without requiring a single complex high-precision reference signal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two different reference signals based on the input code portion. The reference signal selection is dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to adapt to different conversion requirements and achieve extended dynamic range. This dynamic approach is more efficient than using a single fixed high-precision reference signal system.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital-to-analog conversion, including: converting signal Y using word X=M+α−αN having length Ψ=α+β digits, where M is high order digits of α long control word X, α−αN is low order digits of β long control word X, wherein α≈β; subjecting analog signal Z to three conversions, wherein, in the first conversion, signal Z1 is proportional to Mα long high order digits of X, and to reference signal Y1, where Z1=Y1×M, in the second and third conversions, signals Z2 and Z3 are proportional to Nβ long low order digits of X and to signals Y1 and Y2, respectively, where Z2=Y1×N, and Z3=Y2×N, wherein, before the conversions, α−αN low order digits of X are multiplied by αα; and adding Z1, Z2, Z3 to generate output signal Z0, wherein Y1 and Y2 relate by Y2=Y1(1±α−α), wherein α is the base of the numbering system, α is the number of digits, by which α−αN is shifted.