Abstract: Differential, current-steering DACs with reduced small signal differential non-linearity. A set of binary-weighted steerable constant current generators is used in which each constant current generator comprises a ternary constant current generator configured to generate a three-state differential current in response to a ternary signal on a control input. Each ternary current generator is associated with a bit of the binary code. The DAC further comprises a code converter coupled between a digital input, to receive a signed digital value for conversion, and control inputs of the steerable current generators, to convert the binary input code to a ternary code to control the steerable current generators to provide a differential analogue output. In embodiments the smallest current source is ½I0 where I0 is a change in differential output current caused by an lsb change in the binary input code.

Abstract: Differential, current-steering DACs with reduced small signal differential non-linearity. A set of binary-weighted steerable constant current generators is used in which each constant current generator comprises a ternary constant current generator configured to generate a three-state differential current in response to a ternary signal on a control input. Each ternary current generator is associated with a bit of the binary code. The DAC further comprises a code converter coupled between a digital input, to receive a signed digital value for conversion, and control inputs of the steerable current generators, to convert the binary input code to a ternary code to control the steerable current generators to provide a differential analogue output. In embodiments the smallest current source is ½I0 where I0 is a change in differential output current caused by an 1sb change in the binary input code.