Patent ID: 6509857
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: H03M

Abstract:
A digital-to-analog converting method for converting a digital signal input comprising a first number of bits each having a different weight from a digital form to an analog form, said method comprising the steps of:(A) dividing said first number of bits into a second number of bit groups, and using one form of weight for at least one of said bit groups to convert each said bit group into an analog form to generate the second number of bit group analog outputs; and (B) forming an analog signal output representative of said digital signal input from said second number of bit group analog outputs, wherein step (A) includes the steps of (a) dividing said first number of bits into said second number of bit groups; (b) selecting said one form of weight for use in expressing each bit group of said second number of bit groups; (c) determining a number of weights having said selected form of weight required to express each said bit group with said selected form of weight; and (d) using said selected form of weight and the determined number of weights having said selected form of weight to convert said each bit group to said bit group analog outputs, wherein step (d) includes the steps of (e) determining a third number of weights as a maximum number of weights having said selected form of weight required to express said each bit group with said selected form of weight; (f) providing the second number of weight generator groups for said plurality of bit groups by providing a weight generator group comprising said third number of weight generators having a weight corresponding to said selected form of weight for said each bit group; and (g) controlling said second number of weight generator groups in response to said second number of bit groups to generate said bit group analog outputs, and wherein said third number is equal to a fourth number which is a minimum number of weights having said selected form of weight required for expressing said each bit group with said selected form of weight.