18324035. DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTERS WITH TRIODE SWITCHES simplified abstract (MEDIATEK INC.)
Contents
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTERS WITH TRIODE SWITCHES
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Nathan Egan of San Jose CA (US)
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTERS WITH TRIODE SWITCHES - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18324035 titled 'DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTERS WITH TRIODE SWITCHES
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes a patent application for current steering digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that are suitable for high-speed operation. The innovation involves replacing weight transistors with resistors to lower the RC constant and improve voltage headroom, biasing current steering switches in the triode region for better voltage headroom and output impedance, and adding reset switches to reduce data-dependent memory effects.
- Resistors replace weight transistors to lower RC constant and improve voltage headroom.
- Current steering switches are biased in the triode region for better voltage headroom and output impedance.
- Reset switches are added to reduce data-dependent memory effects.
- Potential Applications
The technology can be applied in high-speed data conversion systems, communication equipment, and signal processing applications.
- Problems Solved
The innovation addresses issues related to voltage headroom, output impedance, and data-dependent memory effects in current steering DACs.
- Benefits
The benefits of this technology include improved performance, reduced distortion, and enhanced reliability in high-speed applications.
- Potential Commercial Applications
This technology can be utilized in the development of high-speed digital-to-analog converters for industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics.
- Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art could be the use of weight transistors in conventional DAC designs, which may not offer the same benefits as the resistor-based approach described in this patent application.
- Unanswered Questions
- How does the innovation impact the power consumption of the DAC?
The abstract does not mention anything about the power consumption implications of the new design. It would be interesting to know if there are any changes in power efficiency compared to traditional DACs.
- Are there any limitations to the use of resistors instead of weight transistors in DACs?
The abstract highlights the benefits of using resistors over weight transistors, but it would be valuable to understand if there are any drawbacks or limitations to this approach that need to be considered.
Original Abstract Submitted
Current steering digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are described. These DACs are suitable for high speed operation. Weight transistors conventionally used in DACs are replaced with resistors, resulting in a lower RC constant. Further, the resistors cause a smaller voltage drop, thus improving the voltage headroom of the DAC. Additionally, the current steering switches are biased in the triode region, as opposed to the saturation region as in conventional designs. Biasing the switches in the triode region results in a smaller drain-source voltage, which further improves the voltage headroom of the DAC. The triode operation further results in a substantially smaller output impedance, which leads to the output voltage being dictated primarily by the output transistor of the current path. Lastly, reset switches are added which reduce data-dependent memory effects that can otherwise produce distortion.
