Alternative structures of a segmented current-steering DAC

Abstract

Digital-to-analog converters are widely used in consumer electronics for a message or control signal generation. Two structures of a segmented current-steering DAC are proposed. Both structures improve monotonicity in comparison with the typical segmented DAC structure. The first one is based on a current divider that is connected to an output. The second one is based on a variable bias voltage. Both structures allow to guarantee monotonicity and simplify matching process.