Digital-to-analog converter with constant bias voltage
US6498574B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/74
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are used to convert digital signals to analog signals. DAC's are typically made of transistors, linked in one of several ways, to quickly convert large amounts of digital information to useful analog signals. Sample applications may include compact disc players and DVD players. DACs with transistors having more uniform outputs result from better control of the source-to-gate voltage. This control may be achieved by using a current source for the gate voltages, or in other embodiments, by designing and manufacturing the bus bar for the source voltage and the gate voltage so as to achieve uniform source-to-source and gate-to-source voltages. With this control, uniform voltage drops, linear within 0.1%, may be achieved in transistors used in 5-bit to 15-bit DACs, leading to better conversion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.