Configurable dac channels

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit with at least a first channel and a second channel. Each channel includes at least a DAC. The integrated circuit also includes a number of circuit elements interconnected between the channels. The circuit elements can be changed between a short circuit state and an open circuit state. Normally, each channel will operate independently of one another, using only the circuit components in its respective channel. However, the circuit elements are arranged to allow a user to combine part of the second channel with the first channel to improve the functionality and performance of the first channel. In particular, a state of the circuit elements can be chosen to combine components of the second channel with the first channel. For example, components (e.g. a sub-stage) of the second channel can be connected in parallel with corresponding components (e.g. a corresponding sub-stage) of the first channel. This may reduce the number of available channels, since the second channel can no longer be used as an independent channel. However, the performance of the first channel is enhanced. The presence of the circuit elements allow an end user to decide whether to sacrifice channel count for performance enhancements. For example, the user can provide user input to the integrated circuit to select how the channels are interconnected. Moreover, the integrated circuit does not use additional redundant circuitry to improve the first channel, and rather takes components from the second channel. As such, the integrated circuit can have a reduced size.