An untrimmed D/A converter with 14-bit resolution

Describes a monolithic 14-bit DAC which uses a new compensation technique for the DAC linearity, the `self-compensation technique', originated through a new concept. Since this technique automatically compensates for linearity error in the DAC by referring to a ramp function with about 17-bit linearity, a high precision DAC can be produced in monolithic form without the trimming of analog components. An experimental 14-bit DAC chip has been fabricated using analog compatible IIL technology and two-level metalization. A linearity error of less that /spl plusmn/1/2 LSB and a settling time of 1-2 /spl mu/s has been achieved.

[1]  D. Comer.  A monolithic 12-bit D/A converter , 1977, 1977 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference. Digest of Technical Papers.

[2]  R.J. Van de Plassche,et al.  A monolithic 14-bit D/A converter , 1979, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits.

[3]  K. Mukai,et al.  Planar multilevel interconnection technology employing a polyimide , 1978 .

[4]  A. Brokaw,et al.  A simple three-terminal IC bandgap reference , 1974 .

[5]  J. Schoeff,et al.  An inherently monotonic 12 bit DAC , 1979, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits.

[6]  Minoru Nagata,et al.  Phosphorous Buried Emitter I2L for High-Voltage Operating Circuits , 1977 .

[7]  T. Frederiksen,et al.  A monolithic 12b+Sign successive approximation A/D converter , 1980, 1980 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference. Digest of Technical Papers.