Patent Document

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/017,582, filed Jan. 22, 2008; entitled “Read and Write Interface Communications Protocol for Digital-to-Analog Signal Converter with Non-Volatile Memory,” by Thomas Youbok Lee, Jonathan Jackson, John Austin, Andrew Swaneck and Yann Johner; and claims priority to commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/021,448; filed Jan. 16, 2008; entitled “Read and Write Interface Communications Protocol for Digital-to-Analog Signal Converter with Non-Volatile Memory,” by Thomas Youbok Lee, Yann Johner, Philippe Gimmel, Tim Sherman, Jonathan Jackson and John Austin; both are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that store configuration and address information, and input data in non-volatile memory; and more particularly to, multi-channel DACs having non-volatile memory and using serial communication protocols over conventional serial interfaces, e.g., I 2 C, SPI, USB, SCIO, UNI/O, etc. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Present technology DAC devices store configuration information and input data in volatile memory. The configuration information and input data stored in the volatile memory are lost when operating power is removed from the DAC device and the associated volatile memory. For example, a DAC device may be used to output a programmable analog voltage. The programming bits, e.g., digital representation of the analog voltage, are stored in a DAC register which is volatile, thereby loosing its contents when powered down. Upon an initial power-up of the DAC device, the DAC register is either cleared or its contents are not predictable until the DAC register is programmed again. Thus the DAC register must be reprogrammed each time the DAC device is powered up. This necessitates additional program cycles of a master controller program so as to reprogram the DAC register. In many applications, DAC devices support operation of other devices in a system. For example, the DAC device may provide a reference voltage to other devices for proper operation thereof. Since the DAC register has to be reprogrammed, all other devices dependent upon the DAC device must wait (prevented from operating) until the DAC register contains the correct data. 
         [0004]    DAC devices are becoming more prevalent in integrated circuits having both analog and digital functions, e.g., mixed signal devices. Typically, mixed signal devices (slaves) will communicate with a master device such as master control unit (MCU), e.g., microcontroller, microprocessor, digital signal processor, etc., over a communications bus. There may be more then one mixed signal slave device connected to the communications bus, thus each one of the mixed signal slave devices will need a device address. Generally the mixed signal device has either multiple address programming pins on the integrated circuit package, or the mixed signal device has a fixed address that is mask programmed during fabrication at the factory. For a three bit address, up to eight different integrated circuit fabrication masks are required. Having to mask program up to eight different addresses into mixed signal devices that are otherwise identical increases manufacturing time and costs, and results in having to stock and ship up to eight different parts. In addition, having mixed signal devices with non-field programmable addresses may become very inconvenient in certain applications. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Therefore there is a need to prevent loss of the DAC device configuration and address information, and input data during a power down or power loss condition. If the DAC device outputs a preprogrammed output by itself immediately when it turns-on, then the overall system application reduces several initialization and calibration steps, and can thereby initialize the system with the same conditions all the time, even when there are power interruptions thereto. This will increase system operating efficiency and the useful range of applications for such a device. 
         [0006]    A DAC device may have both volatile and non-volatile internal memory blocks. The non-volatile memory may be used to store configuration information, digital voltage values, e.g., data, and an address for the DAC device. The non-volatile memory may be for example, but is not limited to, electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM), FLASH memory and the like. This data may be written into the internal non-volatile memory block at any time and the stored configuration information, digital data, e.g., voltage values; and DAC device address may thereby be protected from being lost during a power outage. 
         [0007]    According to teachings of this disclosure, a non-volatile memory, e.g., EEPROM, FLASH, etc., may be part of the DAC device. The DAC/non-volatile memory device may thereby provide a preprogrammed output voltage whenever it is powered-up. However, unlike the conventional DAC devices, DAC devices with the non-volatile memory may need special interface communication protocols for effective operation of the DAC device. For example, the system master controller unit (MCU) requires a way to access the volatile memory (DAC register) and/or the non-volatile memory (e.g., EEPROM). Therefore, the non-volatile memory in the DAC device requires effective interface communication protocols with the MCU so that the MCU may access the DAC device&#39;s memories (both non-volatile and volatile memories) effectively. Since most of the mixed signal devices such as DAC, analog-to-digital (ADC), and digital potentiometer are operated by using a standard serial interface, e.g., I 2 C, SPI, USB, SCIO, UNI/O, etc., the interface communication protocols for communicating with the volatile and non-volatile memories of the DAC device may operate without violating the specifications of the existing serial communications protocols. 
         [0008]    According to teachings of this disclosure, a serial data interface communication protocol may be used to operate the DAC device and the internal non-volatile memory over a serial data bus, e.g., I 2 C, SPI, USB, SCIO, UNI/O, etc. For example, but not limited to, one, two, three or four channel 12 bit DAC devices with non-volatile memory, wherein these DAC devices may incorporate the same non-volatile interface communication protocol. Using an interface communication protocol solves the following problems: (a) A user may read and/or write the configuration, address and data information into non-volatile or volatile memories with a simple command(s). This also reduces the interface communication time. (b) A simple and yet effective command structure reduces the complexity of device interface circuits. (c) The same command structure may be used for reading from and writing to device test registers using the same integrated circuit package pin-out connections, thus eliminating the need for extra test interfaces. 
         [0009]    It is advantageous to use a common serial communications protocol for mixed signal devices, e.g., both analog and digital circuit functions, even if different companies use their own interface protocols, a common protocol may emerge that is driven by customer demand. 
         [0010]    An example problem: DAC device outputs a programmable analog voltage. The programming of bits are stored in a volatile DAC register which means its memory contents are cleared or not predictable at an initial power-up stage until it is reprogrammed. The user must reprogram the DAC register each time when it is powered-up. This requires that the system&#39;s master controller unit (MCU) use additional cycles to reprogram the DAC register. In many applications, DAC devices are used as a supporting device for other devices in systems. For example, the DAC device may provide a reference voltage to other devices to operate. If the DAC device outputs a preprogrammed output by itself immediately when it turns-on, then the overall application systems reduce several initialization and calibration steps, and can initialize the systems with the same conditions all the time, even when there are power interruptions thereto. This will increase systems efficiency and useful operability greatly. 
         [0011]    According to the teachings of this disclosure, a solution to the aforementioned problem may be by having a non-volatile memory, e.g., EEPROM, FLASH, etc., as part of the DAC device. The DAC/non-volatile memory device may thereby provide a preprogrammed output voltage whenever it is powered-up. However, there may be a communications issue for controlling the non-volatile memory. For example, the system MCU needs a way to access the volatile memory (DAC Register) or non-volatile memory (EEPROM). Therefore, the non-volatile memory in the device requires effective interface communication protocols between the DAC device and the MCU. This allows the MCU to access the device&#39;s memories (both non-volatile and volatile memories) effectively. Since most of the mixed signal devices such as a DAC, ADC, and/or a digital potentiometer are operated by using a standard serial interface, e.g., I 2 C, SPI and the like, the necessary interface communication protocol may be operated within these standard serial interface specifications. The interface communication protocols disclosed herein do not violate existing serial communication specifications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic block diagram of a device having a single channel digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) capability and non-volatile memory, according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic block diagram of a device having a plurality of channels with digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) capabilities and non-volatile memories, according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for fast mode sequentially writing to DAC input register(s); 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing to one DAC input register at a time; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for sequentially writing to DAC input registers and associated locations in a non-volatile memory; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing to a single DAC input register and associated locations in a non-volatile memory; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing a new address into the device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for changing selection of a voltage reference; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing power-down selection bits into the DAC input registers; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing gain selection bits to the DAC input registers; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 11   a - 11   d  illustrate schematic byte diagrams of an address, command and data protocol structures for reading in normal mode the DAC input register and non-volatile memory of one or more DAC devices; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of a test mode address, command and data protocol structure for writing a lock bit to the DAC input registers; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of a test mode address, command and data protocol structure for writing contents of the DAC input registers to non-volatile memory; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of a test mode address, command and data protocol structure for writing Bandgap voltage reference trim bits to the DAC input registers; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of a test mode address, command and data protocol structure for writing buffer offset trim bits to the DAC input registers; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  illustrates a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structures for reading in test mode the DAC input register and non-volatile memory of one or more DAC devices; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  illustrates schematic block and bus signal diagrams of various types of serial interfaces that may be used with the devices shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to specific example embodiments of this disclosure; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  illustrates schematic plan views of two of many integrated circuit packages that may be used with the devices shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to specific example embodiments of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0031]    While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific example embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed herein, but on the contrary, this disclosure is to cover all modifications and equivalents as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Referring now to the drawings, the details of specific example embodiments are schematically illustrated. Like elements in the drawings will be represented by like numbers, and similar elements will be represented by like numbers with a different lower case letter suffix. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of a device having a single digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) capability and non-volatile memory, according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure. The device, generally represented by the numeral  100 , may comprise a serial interface and address logic  102 , an input register  104 , a DAC register  106 , a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)  108 , power-down control  110 , an analog amplifier  112 , a non-volatile memory  114 , a charge pump  116 , and a power-on-reset (POR) circuit  118 . 
         [0034]    The non-volatile memory  114  may be, but is not limited to, an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM), FLASH memory, etc. For example, the non-volatile memory  114  may be used to store configuration register, DAC input data (e.g., 12 bits of a digital representation of the analog voltage that the DAC  108  is supposed to produce), address bits (e.g., 3 bits for I 2 C address) and test mode trim bits. The charge pump  116  may be used for writing to the non-volatile memory  114 . Power may be supplied to the device  100  at voltage terminals Vdd and Vss. The serial interface and address logic  102  is coupled to a serial data bus  120  of n-bit width, e.g., n=1, 2, 3, etc. Configuration and data values may be written to or read from the non-volatile memory  114  and/or the input register  104 . The serial interface and address logic  102  determines whether the device  100  is being addressed by a bus master (not shown) over the serial bus  120 . A specific programmable device address allows specific operation and selection from a number of devices  100 . The device address is written to and stored in the non-volatile memory  114  so that a specific device address is maintained even when the device  100  has power removed therefrom. The DAC output register  106  may be loaded from the input register  104 . Also, the contents of the non-volatile memory  114  may be transferred to the input register  104 . 
         [0035]    A load DAC output register input  122  may be used to (a) transfer the contents of the input register(s)  104  to the respective DAC output register(s)  106 , (b) select a device  100  of interest in Read/Write Address Bit Commands, and (c) enter test mode. When there is a logic transition on the input  122 , the contents of the input register(s)  104  may be loaded into the DAC output register(s)  108 , thus generating a new analog voltage at the output of the analog amplifier  112  (Vout). 
         [0036]    For selection of a device  100  of interest, a logic transition on the input  122  at a certain time during a command may be used to either read a device address or write a new device address into the selected device  100 . Using the input  122  in this way allows determining the address programmed into a specific device  100  and also being able to change a specific device address when the device  100  is in an end use system without requiring removal of the device  100  and/or special test fixtures. 
         [0037]    To enter a device test mode, a higher then normal voltage, e.g., 10 volts, may be applied to the input  122 . 
         [0038]    A ready/busy output  124  may be used to indicate when a write operation to the non-volatile memory  114  is completed. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of a device having a plurality of channels with digital-to-analog conversion capabilities and non-volatile memories, according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure. The device, generally represented by the numeral  200 , may comprise a serial interface and logic  102 , a plurality of input registers  104 , a plurality of DAC registers  106 , a plurality of digital-to-analog converters (DAC)  108 , a plurality of analog amplifiers  112 , a non-volatile memory  114 , and a charge pump  116 . Power-on-reset (POR) circuit  118  ( FIG. 1 ), power-down control  110  ( FIG. 1 ), an internal voltage reference and voltage reference value selection circuit are not shown but may also be part of the devices  100  and/or  200 . Four ADC channels are shown but it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that any number of ADC channels may be utilized in combination with the teachings of this disclosure. 
         [0040]    The non-volatile memory  114  may be, but is not limited to, electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM), FLASH memory, etc. For example, the non-volatile memory  114  may be used to store configuration register, DAC input data (e.g., 12 bits of a digital representation of the analog voltage that the DAC  108  is supposed to produce), address bits (e.g., 3 bits for I 2 C address) and test mode trim bits. The charge pump  116  may be used for writing to the non-volatile memory  114 . Power may be supplied to the device  100  at voltage terminals Vdd and Vss. The serial interface and logic  102  may have an input (/LDAC) for transferring DAC settings from serial input latches to output latches, e.g., DAC registers  106 . The serial interface and logic  102  is coupled to a serial data bus of n-bit width, e.g., n=1, 2, 3, etc. Configuration and data values may be written to or read from the non-volatile memory  114  and/or the input registers  104 . The DAC registers  106  may be loaded from the respective input registers  104 . Also the contents of the non-volatile memory  114  may be transferred to the respective input registers  104 . The load DAC output register input  122  and the ready/busy output  124  function as described hereinabove. 
       Normal Mode 
       [0041]    A normal mode of the device allows user commands to write to and read from the device DAC registers and non-volatile memory during normal operational thereof. 
         [0042]    Normal Mode Write Commands 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for fast mode sequentially writing to DAC input register(s). The fast mode write command is comprised of a plurality of bytes  300  and may support, for example but is not limited to, 7-bit slave addressing. The slave address may contain a device code  304  comprising four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ) and three address  306  bits (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of up to eight (8) devices. The device code  304  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  306  may be programmed into the device  100  or  200  for a specific application as more fully described hereinbelow. 
         [0044]    The fast mode write command shown in  FIG. 3  begins with a start bit  302  followed by a plurality of bytes  300  (8 bits each), each byte  300  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  310 , and terminating with a stop bit  320 . For this fast write command only the write command bits  312  (C 2 =0 and C 1 =0) are used. In subsequent bytes  300  the C2 and C1 bits are ignored, C 2 , C 1 =X (where X is a don&#39;t care). 
         [0045]    The fast mode write command is used to sequentially update the input register(s)  104 . The power down selection bits (PD 1 , PD 0 )  314  and the 12 bits of DAC input data bits (D 11 -D 0 )  316  and  318  are sequentially updated for each DAC channel (bytes for three DAC channels are shown in  FIG. 3 , bytes  300   f  and  300   g  would repeat for a fourth DAC channel). Data in the non-volatile memory  114  is not changed by the fast write command shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0046]    The fast mode write command writes only the power-down selection bits  314  (PD 1  and PD 0 ) of the configuration register, and 12 bits (D 11 :D 0 ) of DAC input data  316  and  318  of each DAC channel. The write data is loaded sequentially from the first channel to the last channel of the device. Each of the DAC input registers  104  are updated (written) at the acknowledge pulse of that channel&#39;s last input data byte. Once the DAC input registers  104  are loaded, the DAC registers  106  and Vout from each of the amplifiers  112  are updated at any time by changing the logic level at the load DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC). Non-volatile memory  114  is not affected. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing one DAC input register at a time. The multiple write command is comprised of a plurality of bytes  400  and may support, for example but is not limited to, 7-bit slave addressing. The slave address may contain a device code  404  comprising four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ) and three address bits  406  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of one of up to eight (8) devices. The device code  404  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  406  may be programmed into the non-volatile memory  114  of the device memory  100  or  200  for a specific application as more fully described hereinbelow. 
         [0048]    The multiple write command shown in  FIG. 4  begins with a start bit  402 , followed by a plurality of bytes  400  (8 bits each), each byte  400  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  410 , and terminates with a stop bit  420 . A first byte comprises a device code  404 , a device address  406  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) and a read/write bit  408  set to zero. A second byte  400   b  comprises write command type bits  412  (C 2 =0, C 1 =1 and C 0 =0), write function bits  428  (W 1 =0 and W 0 =0), DAC channel selection bits  426   a  (DAC 1  and DAC 0 ), and /UDAC bit  430   a.    
         [0049]    The multiple write command writes to one DAC input register  104  at a time. The DAC channel may be selected by using the DAC register selection bits  426  (DAC 1  and DAC 0 ), and only that channel is affected. More than one DAC register  106  may be written to by sending repeat bytes, e.g., bytes  400   e ,  400   f  and  400   g , with the respective DAC register selection bits  426  for each DAC channel to be updated. Data in the non-volatile memory  114  is not changed by the fast write command shown in  FIG. 4 . A third byte  400   c  comprises configuration bits: Vref bit  432 , power down selection bits  414   a  (PD 1  and PD 0 ), DAC gain selection bit  440   a  (GX) and the four most significant DAC data bits  422   a  (D 11 :D 8 ). A fourth byte  400   d  comprises the least significant DAC data bits  424   a  (D 7 :D 0 ). 
         [0050]    The configuration register bits: vref bit  432   a , power down selection bits  414   a  (PD 1  and PD 0 ) and DAC gain selection bit  440   a  (GX); and DAC input data bits (D 11 -D 0 )  422   a  and  424   a  may be updated after the fourth byte  400   d  acknowledge  410   d  if the logic level at the load DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC) is low or /UDAC bit  430  is cleared. Vout from the respective amplifier  112  may be updated using the /UDAC bit  430 , a logic change at the DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC), or through a general call software update. When /UDAC bit  430  is at a first logic level, the Vout of the selected DAC channel is updated as soon as the fourth byte  400   d  is acknowledged  410   d  (the last byte of the selected DAC register) regardless of the logic state of the DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC). The DAC input data bits (D 11 -D 0 )  422  and  424  are the DAC input data of the selected DAC channel (bits  426 ). Bytes  400   b ,  400   c  and  400   d  are repeated for each of the next DAC channels to be updated but without the need for specifying the write command type bits  412   a  (C 2 , C 1  and C 0 ) and write function bits  428   a  (W 1  and W 0 ), X=don&#39;t care. For example, bytes  400   e ,  400   f  and  400   g  represent the update data necessary for a second DAC channel. Subsequent DAC channels may be similarly updated. 
         [0051]    The information contained in the second, third and fourth bytes described above may be repeated for each DAC channel. Write command protocols for two instances of DAC channels are shown, however, write protocols for any number of DAC channels are contemplated herein (e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) and/or repeated for each one of the DAC channels until the stop bit  420  terminates the write command protocol. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for sequentially writing to DAC input registers and associated non-volatile memory locations. The sequential write command is comprised of a plurality of bytes  500  and may support, for example but is not limited to, 7-bit slave addressing. The slave address may contain a device code  504  comprising four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ) and three address bits  506  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of one of up to eight (8) devices. The device code  504  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  506  may be programmed into the device  100  or  200  for a specific application as more fully described hereinbelow. 
         [0053]    The sequential write command shown in  FIG. 5  begins with a start bit  502 , followed by a plurality of bytes  500  (8 bits each), each byte  500  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  510 , and terminates with a stop bit  520 . A first byte  500   a  comprises a device code  504 , a device address  506  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) and a read/write bit  508  set to zero. A second byte  500   b  comprises write command type bits  512  (C 2 =0, C 1 =1 and C 0 =0), write function bits  528  (W 1 =1 and W 0 =0), DAC channel selection bits  526  (DAC 1  and DAC 0 ), and /UDAC bit  530 . 
         [0054]    The sequential write command writes the configuration register bits: vref bit  532 , power down selection bits  514  (PD 1  and PD 0 ), DAC gain selection bit  540  (GX), and DAC input data bits (D 11 -D 0 )  522  and  524  to the DAC input registers  104  sequentially from the starting DAC channel to the last DAC channel, and this command also writes the same data sequentially to the non-volatile memory  114 . The starting DAC channel is determined by the DAC register selection bits  526  (DAC 1  and DAC 0 ) in byte  500   b . Subsequent DAC channels are written after the completion of each respective byte pair, e.g., bytes  500   e  and  500   f  for a second DAC channel. Additional DAC channels are just repeats of byte pairs up to the maximum number of DAC channels of the device  200 . 
         [0055]    When writing to the non-volatile memory  114 , the ready/busy output  124  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) remains at a first logic level until the write operation to the non-volatile memory  114  is completed. The ready/busy output  124  then returns to a second logic level. The ready/busy output  124  may be monitored by system software so as not to attempt a write operation to the non-volatile memory when the ready/busy output  124  is at the first logic level. Any command received when the ready/busy output  124  is at the first logic level will be ignored. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing to a single DAC input register and associated non-volatile memory locations. The single write command is comprised of a plurality of bytes  600  and may support, for example but is not limited to, 7-bit slave addressing. The slave address may contain a device code  604  comprising four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ) and three address bits  606  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of one of up to eight (8) devices. The device code  604  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  606  may be programmed into the device  100  or  200  for a specific application as more fully described hereinbelow. 
         [0057]    The single write command shown in  FIG. 6  begins with a start bit  602 , followed by a plurality of bytes  600  (8 bits each), each byte  600  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  610 , and terminates with a stop bit  620 . A first byte comprises a device code  604 , a device address  606  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) and a read/write bit  608  set to zero. A second byte  600   b  comprises write command type bits  612  (C 2 =0, C 1 =1 and C 0 =0), write function bits  528  (W 1 =1 and W 0 =1), DAC channel selection bits  626  (DAC 1  and DAC 0 ), and /UDAC bit  630 . 
         [0058]    The single write command writes the configuration register bits: vref bit  632 , power down selection bits  614  (PD 1  and PD 0 ) and DAC gain selection bit  640  (GX), and the DAC input data bits (D 11 -D 0 )  622  and  624  to the DAC input register  104  for the DAC channel specified by the DAC channel selection bits  626  (DAC 1  and DAC 0 ), and also writes the same information into associated locations in the non-volatile memory  114 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing a new address into the device. The writing a new address command is comprised of a plurality of bytes  700  and may support, for example but is not limited to, 7-bit slave addressing. The slave address may contain a device code  704  comprising four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ) and three address bits  706  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of up to eight (8) devices. The device code  704  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  706  are programmed into the device  100  or  200 . When the device receives the new address command, the current address contained in the three address bits  706  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) are replaced by overwriting these address bits in both the device register(s) and the associated locations of the non-volatile memory  114 . 
         [0060]    The writing of a new address command shown in  FIG. 7  begins with a start bit  702 , followed by a plurality of bytes  700  (8 bits each), each byte  700  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  710 , and terminates with a stop bit  720 . A first byte comprises a device code  704 , a device address  706   a  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) and a read/write bit  708  set to zero. A second byte  700   b  comprises write command type bits  712   a  (C 2 =0, C 1 =1 and C 0 =1), the current device address  706   b  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ), and a first bit pattern  754  (0, 1). A third byte  700   c  comprises write command type bits  712   b  (C 2 =0, C 1 =1 and C 0 =1), the new device address  756   a  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ), and a second bit pattern  758  (1, 0). A fourth byte  700   d  comprises write command type bits  712   c  (C 2 =0, C 1 =1 and C 0 =1), the new device address  756   b  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) as confirmation, and a third bit pattern  762  (1, 1). 
         [0061]    The writing of a new address command is only valid if there is a logic level transition at the load DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC) during the slave acknowledge  710   b  of the second byte  700   b , and the logic level at the input  122  remains in its new state for at least the end of the third byte  700   c . The load DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC) may be used to select a device when programming a new address therein. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for changing selection of a voltage reference. The change voltage reference selection command is comprised of bytes  800   a  and  800   b , and may support, for example but is not limited to, 7-bit slave addressing. The slave address may contain a device code  804  comprising four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ) and three address bits  806  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of one of up to eight (8) devices. The device code  804  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  806  are field programmable as described herein. 
         [0063]    The change voltage reference select bits command shown in  FIG. 8  begins with a start bit  802 , followed by bytes  800   a  and  800   b  (8 bits each), each byte  800  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  810 , and terminates with a stop bit  820 . A first byte  800   a  comprises a device code  804 , a device address  806  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) and a read/write bit  808  set to zero. A second byte  800   b  comprises write command type bits  812  (C 2 =1, C 1 =0 and C 0 =0), and DAC reference selection bits  870 . Each of the DAC reference selection bits  870  may be used to select between either Vdd or Vref (internal or external, not shown) for its respective DAC channel, e.g., Vdd when the DAC reference selection bit  870  is at a first logic level or Vref when at a second logic level. Non-volatile memory  114  is not affected by this command. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing power-down selection bits into the DAC input registers. The write power-down select bits command is comprised of bytes  900   a ,  900   b  and  900   c , and may support, for example but is not limited to, 7-bit slave addressing. The slave address may contain a device code  904  comprising four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ) and three address bits  906  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of one of up to eight (8) devices. The device code  904  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  906  are field programmable as described herein. 
         [0065]    The write power-down select bits command is used to select either a normal or power down mode for each of the DAC channels. Two power-down bits  980  (PD 1 , PD 0 ) are used for each of the DAC channels, e.g., DAC channels A, B, C and D. When a normal mode is selected for a DAC channel, there will an analog voltage output. When a power down mode is selected, there will be no analog voltage output, instead a fixed resistance value to ground or common will be substituted depending upon the logic values of the two power-down bits  980  (PD 1 , PD 0 ). 
         [0066]    The write power-down select bits command shown in  FIG. 9  begins with a start bit  902 , followed by bytes  900   a ,  900   b  and  900   c  (8 bits each), each byte  900  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  910 , and terminates with a stop bit  920 . A first byte  900   a  comprises a device code  904 , a device address  906  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) and a read/write bit  508  set to zero. A second byte  900   b  comprises write command type bits  812  (C 2 =1, C 1 =0 and C 0 =1), and power-down bits  980   a  and  980   b . A third byte  900   c  may comprise power-down bits  980   c  and  980   d  if those DAC channels are implemented in the device  200 . Non-volatile memory  114  is not affected by this command. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for writing gain selection bits to the DAC input registers. The write gain selection bits to the DAC input registers command is comprised of bytes  1000   a  and  1000   b , and may support, for example but is not limited to, 7-bit slave addressing. The slave address may contain a device code  1004  comprising four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ) and three address bits  1006  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of one of up to eight (8) devices. The device code  1004  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  1006  are field programmable as described herein. 
         [0068]    The write gain selection bits to the DAC input registers command begins with a start bit  1002 , followed by bytes  1000   a  and  1000   b  (8 bits each), each byte  1000  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  1010 , and terminates with a stop bit  1020 . A first byte  1000   a  comprises a device code  1004 , a device address  1006  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) and a read/write bit  1008  set to zero. A second byte  1000   b  comprises write command type bits  1012  (C 2 =1, C 1 =1 and C 0 =0), and gain selection bits  1040 . Each of the gain selection bits  1040  may be used to select the gain for its respective DAC channel, e.g., gain of one when the gain selection bit  1040  is at a first logic level or gain of two when at a second logic level. Non-volatile memory  114  is not affected by this command. 
         [0069]    Read Command and Output Data Format 
         [0070]    If the read/write bit (X 08 ) in the first byte of each command is set to a logic “high” (1), then the device enters a read mode. There are two types of read modes: (a) normal read mode for reading register data, and (b) test mode read for accessing lock and trim bits. The test mode read may be entered into by asserting a high voltage on the load DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC). The read command executes only when the ready/busy output  124  indicates that the non-volatile memory  114  is not busy. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 11   a - 11   d , depicted are schematic byte diagrams of an address, command and data protocol structures for reading in normal mode the DAC input register and non-volatile memory of one or more DAC devices. Referring now to  FIG. 11   a , the read command in normal mode begins with a start bit  1102  followed by a first byte  1100   a  sent by the bus master, e.g., a digital processor (not shown), wherein the first byte  1100   a  comprises a device code  1104  having four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ), three address bits  1106  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of one of up to eight (8) devices, and a read/write bit  1108  (set to logic 1 indicating a read operation). Once the first byte of this read command from the bus master is finished, a slave acknowledge  1110   a  is asserted. The device code  1104  may be preprogrammed during manufacture, and unique address bits  1106  are field programmable as described herein. 
         [0072]    Next a first slave byte  1150   a  is sent by the slave device. The first slave byte  1150   a  comprises the present status of the following data contained in the DAC register  106  of DAC channel A ( FIG. 2 ): a ready/busy bit  1146   a  that indicates the completion status of a write to the non-volatile memory  114  (e.g., logic 1 indicates write complete, logic 0 indicates otherwise), the present status of the associated power-on-reset bit  1148   a , the DAC channel indicated in the selection bits  1126   a  (DAC 1 , DAC 0 ), a zero (0), and the three address bits  1106   a  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) of the device. After the first slave byte  1150   a  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1160   a.    
         [0073]    After the slave device receives the master acknowledge  1160   a , a second slave byte  1150   b  is sent by the slave device. The second slave byte  1150   b  comprises the following data contained in the DAC register  106  of DAC channel A ( FIG. 2 ): Vref  1132   a  status, power down selection bits  1114   a  (PD 1  and PD 0 ) status, the DAC gain selection bit  1140   a  (GX) status, and the four most significant DAC data bits  1122   a  (D 11 :D 8 ) associated with the DAC channel indicated in the selection bits  1126   a . After the second slave byte  1150   b  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1160   b.    
         [0074]    After the slave device receives the master acknowledge  1160   b , a third slave byte  1150   c  is sent by the slave device. The third slave byte  1150   c  comprises the eight (8) least significant data bits  1124   a  (D 7 :D 0 ) contained in the DAC register  106  associated with the DAC channel indicated in the selection bits  1126   a . Bytes  1150   a - 1150   c  comprise the present contents of the DAC register of the indicated DAC channel  1126   a  (DAC 1 , DAC 0 ). After the third slave byte  1150   c  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1160   c.    
         [0075]    Then the addressed slave device sends a fourth slave byte  1150   d  indicating the present status of the data contents contained in the non-volatile memory  114 . The fourth slave byte  1150   d  comprises a ready/busy bit  1196   a  that indicates the completion status of a write to the non-volatile memory  114  (e.g., logic 1 indicates write complete, logic 0 indicates otherwise), the present status of the associated power-on-reset bit  1198   a , the DAC channel indicated in the selection bits  1176   a  (DAC 1 , DAC 0 ), a zero (0), and the three address bits  1156   b  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ). After the fourth slave byte  1150   d  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1160   d.    
         [0076]    After the slave device receives the master acknowledge  1160   d , a fifth slave byte  1150   e  is sent by the slave device. The fifth slave byte  1150   e  comprises the following data contained in the non-volatile memory  114 : Vref  1182   a  status, power down selection bits  1164   a  (PD 1  and PD 0 ) status, the DAC gain selection bit  1190   a  (GX) status, and the four most significant DAC data bits  1172   a  (D 11 :D 8 ) associated with the DAC channel indicated in the selection bits  1176   a . After the fifth slave byte  1150   e  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1160   e.    
         [0077]    After the slave device receives the master acknowledge  1160   e , a sixth slave byte  1150   f  is sent by the slave device. The sixth slave byte  1150   f  comprises the eight (8) least significant data bits  1174   a  (D 7 :D 0 ) contained in the non-volatile memory  114  associated with the DAC channel indicated in the selection bits  1176   a . Bytes  1150   d - 1150   f  comprise the present contents of the non-volatile memory  114  of the indicated DAC channel  1176   a  (DAC 1 , DAC 0 ). After the sixth slave byte  1150   f  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1160   f , and a stop bit  1120   a  is asserted on the serial bus  120 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 11   b  shows the seventh (7th) through the twelfth (12th) slave bytes  1150   g - 1150   l  that may be used to supply all of the previously mentioned status and data for the next DAC channel B ( FIG. 2 ).  FIG. 11   c  shows the thirteenth (13th) through the eighteenth (18th) slave bytes  1150   m - 1150   r  that may be used to supply all of the previously mentioned status and data for the next DAC channel C ( FIG. 2 ), if used.  FIG. 11   d  shows the nineteenth (19th) through the twenty-third (23rd) slave bytes  1150   s - 1150   x  that may be used to supply all of the previously mentioned respective status and data for the next DAC channel D ( FIG. 2 ), if used. A stop bit  1120  is asserted by the bus master (not shown) after the completion of reading the information for each subsequent DAC register  106  and associated non-volatile memory  114 . This reading in normal mode command will terminate with a stop bit  1120  after the last DAC channel is read. The repeat byte can start after sequentially reading all of the DAC registers and non-volatile memory. 
       Test Mode 
       [0079]    A test mode of the device may entered into when the device receives a “Read/Write Command for Test Mode” while a high voltage, e.g., about 10 volts, is applied to the load DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC). No specific device address is required since only the device under test will have a high voltage at its input  122 . 
         [0080]    Test Mode Write Commands 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of a test mode address, command and data protocol structure for writing a lock bit to the DAC input registers. The write lock bit command is comprised of bytes  1200   a  and  1200   b , and begins with a start bit  1202 , followed by bytes  1200   a  and  1200   b  (8 bits each), each byte  1200  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  1210 , and terminates with a stop bit  1220 . A first byte  1200   a  comprises a device code  1204 , and a read/write bit  1208  set to zero. A second byte  1200   b  comprises write command type bits  1212  (C 2 =0, C 1 =1 and C 0 =0), and lock bit  1244 . Non-volatile memory  114  is not affected by this command. The lock bit  1244  may be cleared and set by the write lock bit command. The lock bit  1244  prevents unauthorized modification of the contents of the non-volatile memories  114  of the DAC devices  100  and  200 . A write command in test mode may be executed when the lock bit  1244  is at a first logic level, e.g., logic 0, and locked from execution when at a second logic level, e.g., logic 1. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of a test mode address, command and data protocol structure for writing contents of the DAC input registers to non-volatile memory. The write enable bit command is comprised of bytes  1300   a  and  1300   b , and begins with a start bit  1302 , followed by bytes  1300   a  and  1300   b  (8 bits each), each byte  1300  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  1310 , and terminates with a stop bit  1320 . A first byte  1300   a  comprises a device code  1304 , and a read/write bit  1308  set to zero. A second byte  1300   b  comprises write command type bits  812  (C 2 =1, C 1 =1 and C 0 =0), and enable bit  1352 . When the enable bit  1352  is set, the contents of the associated DAC channel registers are written to the non-volatile memory  114 . The enable bit  1352  is cleared and set by the write enable bit command. 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of a test mode address, command and data protocol structure for writing Bandgap voltage reference trim bits to the DAC input registers. The write Bandgap voltage reference trim bits command is comprised of bytes  1400   a ,  1400   b  and  1400   c , and begins with a start bit  1402 , followed by bytes  1400   a ,  1400   b  and  1400   c  (8 bits each), each byte  1400  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  1410 , and terminates with a stop bit  1420  at the end of byte  1400   c . A first byte  1400   a  comprises a device code  1404 , and a read/write bit  1408  set to zero. A second byte  1400   b  comprises write command type bits  1412  (C 2 =1, C 1 =0 and C 0 =0), and voltage reference selection bit  1470 . A third byte  1400   c  comprises Bandgap absolute value trim bits  1477  (Vbg 3 , Vbg 2 , Vbg 1  and Vbg 0 ) and Bandgap amplifier offset trim bits  1484  (Bba 3 , Bba 2 , Bba 1  and Bba 0 ). 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of a test mode address, command and data protocol structure for writing buffer offset trim bits to the DAC input registers. The write buffer offset trim bits command is comprised of bytes  1500   a ,  1500   b  and  1500   c , and begins with a start bit  1502 , followed by bytes  1500   a ,  1500   b  and  1500   c  (8 bits each), each byte  1500  is followed by a device (slave) acknowledge  1510 , and terminates with a stop bit  1520  at the end of byte  1500   c . A first byte  1500   a  comprises a device code  1504 , and a read/write bit  1508  set to zero. A second byte  1500   b  comprises write command type bits  1512  (C 2 =1, C 1 =0 and C 0 =1), DAC selection bits  1526  (DAC 1 , DAC 0 ), and buffer amplifier selection bit  1588 . A third byte  1500   c  comprises buffer amplifier A offset value trim bits  1586   a  and buffer amplifier B offset value trim bits  1586   b.    
         [0085]    Test Mode Read Command 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , depicted is a schematic byte diagram of an address, command and data protocol structure for reading in test mode the DAC input register and non-volatile memory of one or more DAC devices. A high voltage is applied to the load DAC output register input  122  (/LDAC) of device  200  ( FIG. 2 ) before and during execution of the test mode read command. The test mode read command of  FIG. 16  begins with a start bit  1602  followed by a first byte  1600  sent by the bus master, e.g., a digital processor (not shown), wherein the first byte  1600  comprises a device code  1604  having four fixed identification bits (e.g.,  1100   b ), three address bits  1606  (A 2 , A 1 , A 0 ) used to select one of one of up to eight (8) devices, and a read/write bit  1608  (set to logic 1 indicating a read operation). Once the first byte  1600  of this read command in test mode from the bus master is finished, a slave acknowledge  1610  is asserted by the slave device (e.g.,  100  or  200 ) under test. 
         [0087]    Next a first slave byte  1650   a  is sent by the slave device. The first slave byte  1650   a  comprises the present status of the following data contained in the DAC register  106  of DAC channel A ( FIG. 2 ): a ready/busy bit  1646  that indicates the completion status of a write to the non-volatile memory  114  (e.g., logic 1 indicates write complete, logic 0 indicates otherwise), a lock bit  1644 , DAC channel selection bits  1626  (DAC 1 , DAC 0 ), and a zero (0). After the first slave byte  1650   a  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1660   a.    
         [0088]    After the slave device receives the master acknowledge  1660   a , a second slave byte  1650   b  is sent by the slave device. The second slave byte  1650   b  comprises the following data contained in the DAC register  106 : Bandgap absolute value trim bits  1677  (Vbg 3 , Vbg 2 , Vbg 1  and Vbg 0 ), and Bandgap amplifier offset trim bits  1684  (Bba 3 , Bba 2 , Bba 1  and Bba 0 ). After the second slave byte  1650   b  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1660   b.    
         [0089]    After the slave device receives the master acknowledge  1660   b , a third slave byte  1650   c  is sent by the slave device. The third slave byte  1650   c  comprises buffer amplifier A offset value trim bits  1686   a  and buffer amplifier B offset value trim bits  1686   b . The fourth, fifth and sixth slave bytes  1650   d ,  1650   e  and  1650   f , respectively, present the same types of data stored in the non-volatile memory  114  as read by the master in slave bytes  1650   a ,  1650   b  and  1650   c  above. After the sixth slave byte  1650   f  has been read by the bus master, the bus master sends a master acknowledge  1660   f , and a stop bit  1620  is asserted on the serial bus  120 . 
       Serial Interfaces 
       [0090]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , depicted are schematic block and bus signal diagrams of various types of serial interfaces that may be used with the device shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to specific example embodiments of this disclosure. 
         [0091]    As shown in  FIG. 17(   a ), an I 2 C interface and logic  102   a  has a serial clock line, SCL, and a serial data line, SDA. The I 2 C interface specification is available from Phillips Semiconductors and is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes. 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 17(   b ), a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and logic  102   b  has a serial clock, SCK, a data out line, SI, a data in line, SO, and a chip select, CS. The SPI interface specification is available from Motorola, Inc., or from any device manufacture incorporating the SPI interface in their products. The SPI interface specification is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes. 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIG. 17(   c ), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and logic  102   c  has self clocking data lines D+ and D−. The USB interface specification is available at www.usb.org, or from any device manufacture incorporating the USB interface in their products. The USB interface specification is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes. 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIG. 17(   d ), a Serial Clock Input-Output (SCIO) and logic  102   d  has a single self clocking data line SCIO. The SCIO interface may use Manchester coding so that the clock and data are conveyed on a single bit line. Other serial interface standards are known to those skilled in digital electronics design and may also be effectively used with the teachings of this disclosure. 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , depicted are schematic plan views of two of many integrated circuit packages that may be used with the devices shown  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to specific example embodiments of this disclosure. The I 2 C interface is shown, but it is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that any integrated circuit package may be used with any serial interface bus and number of analog outputs. 
         [0096]    While embodiments of this disclosure have been depicted, described, and are defined by reference to example embodiments of the disclosure, such references do not imply a limitation on the disclosure, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent art and having the benefit of this disclosure. The depicted and described embodiments of this disclosure are examples only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the disclosure.

Technology Category: 5