Embedded variable output power (vop) in a current steering digital-to-analog converter

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods relate to maintaining a total current of a switch cell in a digital-to-analog converter at a controllable operating point by adjusting shunt current control signals applied to programmable shunt current sources in opposite polarity with respect to a tail current control signal applied to a programmable tail current source. In an illustrative example, the total current may flow through differential legs of a switch cell. The programmable shunt current sources may, for example, be configured to compensate for adjustments to the programmable tail current source. In an illustrative example, tail current and shunt currents may flow through a pair of cascode transistors. In various examples, controlling the programmable shunt current sources to compensate adjustments to the tail current source may, for example, permit controlled common mode voltage or operating point so as to reduce device voltage stress over a wider dynamic range of output voltages.