17806679. DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER (DAC) WITH ADAPTIVE CALIBRATION SCHEME simplified abstract (QUALCOMM Incorporated)
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER (DAC) WITH ADAPTIVE CALIBRATION SCHEME
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Xiahan Zhou of San Diego CA (US)
Haibo Fei of San Diego CA (US)
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER (DAC) WITH ADAPTIVE CALIBRATION SCHEME - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17806679 titled 'DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER (DAC) WITH ADAPTIVE CALIBRATION SCHEME
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes methods and apparatus for controlling the power supply voltage for a switch driver in a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC includes multiple DAC cells, each consisting of a current source, a switch, and a switch driver. Calibration circuitry is used to sense the voltage of the first node in the first DAC cell and control the power supply voltage for the switch driver in the other DAC cells based on this sensed voltage.
- The patent application focuses on controlling the power supply voltage for a switch driver in a DAC.
- The DAC consists of multiple DAC cells, each containing a current source, a switch, and a switch driver.
- Calibration circuitry is used to sense the voltage of the first node in the first DAC cell.
- The sensed voltage is then used to control the power supply voltage for the switch driver in the other DAC cells.
- This control mechanism helps in maintaining accurate and stable voltage levels in the DAC cells.
Potential Applications
This technology can be applied in various fields where digital-to-analog conversion is required, such as:
- Audio and video equipment: DACs are commonly used in audio and video devices to convert digital signals into analog signals for playback.
- Communication systems: DACs are used in communication systems to convert digital signals into analog signals for transmission.
- Instrumentation and measurement devices: DACs are used in instrumentation and measurement devices to generate precise analog signals for testing and analysis.
Problems Solved
The technology addresses the following problems:
- Inaccurate voltage levels: The power supply voltage for the switch driver in a DAC can vary, leading to inaccurate voltage levels in the DAC cells.
- Instability: Fluctuations in the power supply voltage can cause instability in the DAC cells, affecting the accuracy of the analog output.
- Calibration difficulties: Calibrating each DAC cell individually to maintain accurate voltage levels can be complex and time-consuming.
Benefits
The technology offers the following benefits:
- Improved accuracy: By controlling the power supply voltage based on the sensed voltage in the first DAC cell, the technology helps maintain accurate voltage levels in all DAC cells.
- Stability: The controlled power supply voltage reduces fluctuations, ensuring stable operation of the DAC cells.
- Simplified calibration: The calibration circuitry simplifies the calibration process by automatically adjusting the power supply voltage, eliminating the need for individual calibration of each DAC cell.
Original Abstract Submitted
Methods and apparatus for controlling a power supply voltage for a switch driver in a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). An example DAC generally includes a plurality of DAC cells, each DAC cell comprising a current source, a first switch coupled in series with the current source at a first node, and a switch driver having an output coupled to a control input of the first switch; and calibration circuitry having a first input coupled to a first DAC cell in the plurality of DAC cells and having an output coupled to at least one of the plurality of DAC cells, the calibration circuitry being configured to sense a voltage of the first node in the first DAC cell and to control the power supply voltage for the switch driver in the at least one of the plurality of DAC cells, based on the sensed voltage of the first node.
