Harmonic Inc.
Increasing the dynamic range of a digital to analog converter (DAC)

Abstract:

Increasing a dynamic range of a digital to analog converter (DAC). A signal analysis element is positioned prior to the DAC in a processing path. The element evaluates an instantaneous amplitude of a signal to be applied to the DAC. The DAC is capable of a first full scale value. An additional current source supports a second full scale value of the DAC, which is greater than the first full scale value. Upon the element determining that a condition is not satisfied, the element employs current steering to couple the additional current source to a current sink. However, upon the element determining that the condition is satisfied, the element employs current steering to couple the additional current source to an output of the DAC to support the second full scale value of the DAC.