A Digital-to-Analog Converter Architecture for Multi-Channel Applications

Systems-on-chip with the capability of driving multiple analog voltages are useful for a variety of applications, including multiple actuator control for robotics applications, automated test equipment systems, industrial automation, programmable logic controllers, and satellite ywheel motor control. Such applications require a DAC for each analog output. A multi-channel architecture that saves power and area by sharing hardware is needed.

This work introduces a new single-ramp multi-channel 12-bit DAC architecture. The architecture includes a low power Gray code counter, ramp generator, digital comparator, analog memory units, and control logic.

The new multi-channel DAC architecture allows hardware sharing between multiple channels, and enables Systems-on-Chip to have multiple analog outputs for stimulating transducers or motors. The DAC architecture is to be used in a variety of space and defense applications as part of the BAE Systems RAD6000 microcontroller project.