What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from ELENG 247A, an introductory course to Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) offered at the University of California, Berkeley. Specifically, these notes cover a detailed exploration of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), a crucial component in many MEMS systems for interfacing with the analog world. The notes represent a focused session on DAC design and performance characteristics.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is ideal for students enrolled in introductory MEMS courses, or those studying analog circuit design where DACs are a key element. It’s particularly valuable when you’re seeking a deeper understanding of the practical considerations involved in designing and analyzing DAC circuits. These notes can supplement textbook material and provide insights into the nuances of DAC behavior, helping you prepare for assignments and exams. Understanding these concepts is foundational for anyone working with sensor interfaces, control systems, or signal processing within a MEMS context.
Topics Covered
* Static performance metrics of D/A converters
* Systematic and random error sources in DACs
* Practical implementation details of current-switched DAC architectures
* Segmented current-switched DAC techniques
* Dynamic non-idealities affecting DAC performance
* Key design considerations for optimizing DAC circuits
* Self-calibration methods for improving DAC accuracy
* Dynamic element matching strategies
* DAC reconstruction filter principles
What This Document Provides
* A focused discussion on the relationship between component matching and DAC performance.
* An examination of how variations in device characteristics impact DAC accuracy.
* Illustrative examples relating to the analysis of DAC linearity (INL & DNL).
* A comparative overview of different DAC architectures, including unit element and binary weighted approaches.
* Insights into the trade-offs between speed, accuracy, and area in DAC design.
* Discussion of current source variations in CMOS implementation.
