Data converter with vertical resistor meander

Abstract

A data converter ( ) comprising an input (I ′-I ′) for receiving a digital word and an output (V ) for providing an analog voltage level in response to the digital word. The data converter further comprises a plurality of bit lines (BL ′-BL ′) formed with an alignment in a first dimension and a plurality of word lines (WL ′-WL ′) formed with an alignment in a second dimension different than the first dimension. Further, the data converter comprises a string ( ′) comprising a plurality of series connected resistive elements (R ′-R ′). The string comprises a plurality of voltage taps (T ′-T ′), and at least a majority of the plurality of series connected resistive elements are formed with an alignment in the first dimension. The data converter also comprises a plurality of switching transistors (ST ′-ST ′) coupled between the plurality of voltage taps and the output. Lastly, for each of a majority of the plurality of word lines the word line is coupled to at least one gate of a switching transistor located on a first side of the word line and to at least one gate of a switching transistor located on a second side of the word line, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.