Digital-to-analog converter
US8059022B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/806
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is provided. The DAC includes a positive converter, a negative converter, and a comparator for receiving outputs of the positive converter and the negative converter, comparing the outputs with a reference voltage, and generating an output voltage. Each of the positive converter and the negative converter includes an upper-bit converter including a plurality of bit capacitors corresponding to respective upper bits, a lower-bit converter including a plurality of bit capacitors corresponding to respective lower bits, and a coupling capacitor for connecting the upper-bit converter with the lower-bit converter in series. Each of the positive converter and the negative converter receives a bias voltage to have a uniform offset when converting the respective bits. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a high resolution using a small area. Also, the number of capacitors can be reduced, and the capacitance of a unit capacitor can be maximized. Consequently, it is possible to minimize heat noise and device mismatching.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.