Digital-to-analog converter including current cell matrix with enhanced

Abstract

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a first array of current source cells extending in first and second transverse directions, and a two-dimensional symmetrical controller for operating current source cells of the first array based upon at least a portion of digital input words and in a symmetrical sequence in both the first and second directions with respect to a medial position of the first array. The medial position preferably defines a centroid for the first array. The two-dimensional symmetrical controller may preferably include a decoder for generating a plurality of control signals based upon predetermined most significant bits (MSBs) of digital input words. Another aspect of the invention relates to the treatment of the LSBs. According to this aspect, the first array further comprises a plurality of second current source cells, and the two-dimensional symmetrical controller further operates the plurality of second current source cells based upon predetermined LSBs of digital input words. The DAC may include a substantially identical second array adjacent the first array. The two-dimensional symmetrical controller may operate the current source cells in the first and second arrays in pairs and in a substantially mirror image sequence to provide geometrical averaging. The geometrical averaging may operate the current source cells in the first and second arrays in pairs and in a substantially true mirror or inverted mirror image sequence.