Digital-to-analog converter with diode control

Abstract

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) ladder segment is disclosed in which diode networks are introduced into the ladder step circuits. Each diode network includes a control diode which controls the flow of current through the network in accordance with a signal from an associated actuating circuit, which in turn is controlled by an input digital signal. In one embodiment, the control diodes are connected in series with resistors, with the diodes and resistors scaled so that their respective bit circuits conduct desired current levels. In another embodiment, the control diodes have equal scalings and are connected in series with respective resistors and second diodes which are called so that their step circuits conduct the desired currents. In a third embodiment, current sources are provided which supply currents to the second diodes in amounts that permit the second diode and the resistors for the various step circuits to have substantially equal scalings. The different embodiments can also be combined to obtain the advantages of each. Current errors associated with metallization resistances ae substantially reduced by implementing the control diodes as bipolar transistors, having their bases and collectors connected together at a location remote from the diodes by means of metallic base and collector leads that are electrically isolated from each other in the vicinity of the diodes.