Silicon Laboratories Inc.
Capacitative digital-to-analog converter with reduced data-dependent loading of voltage reference

Abstract:

A method for reducing data-dependent loading on a voltage reference pre-charges a capacitor of the capacitive digital-to-analog converter to configure the capacitor in a pre-charged state during a first interval. The method selectively discharges the capacitor from the pre-charged state according to a value of an input digital signal to configure the capacitor in a selectively discharged state during a second interval. The method holds an output node of the capacitive digital-to-analog converter at a reset voltage level during the first interval and the second interval. The output node is coupled to a first terminal of the capacitor. The method discharges any remaining charge on the capacitor and providing an output voltage signal to an output node of the capacitive digital-to-analog converter according to the selectively discharged state during a third interval. The output voltage signal has a voltage level corresponding to a value of the input digital signal.