High-speed multiplexed digital-to -analog converter
US5703585A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/76
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A high-speed multiplexing technique employs diode bridges to multiplex the outputs of two or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs) together. Like prior art techniques, the diode bridges isolate the DAC outputs from one another and are activated by forward biasing the bridges, one at a time in a staggered-phase, sequential fashion with sequenced biasing currents, to effectively connect the DACs, one at a time to an output signal. Unlike prior art techniques, however, the low capacitance diodes are inserted in series with the sequenced biasing current driving each diode bridge, one on each side of the bridge. The low capacitance diodes are oriented to pass current in the direction of forward bias of the diode bridges. Voltage mode switching is employed to limit the effect of parasitic capacitances on output amplitude. One embodiment is directed to a pair of back-to-back diode bridges driven by a single transformer secondary winding. Other embodiments are directed to transformerless and multiple-transformer implementations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.