Generalized data weighted averaging method for equally weighted multi-bit d/a elements

Abstract

A multi-level data weighted averaging circuit for inclusion in a multi-bit DAC circuit has a thermometer encoder that includes a binary to thermometer code conversion array configured for retaining or generating a multi-bit code representing an amplitude to be developed by each of the DAC element of the DAC circuit. The thermometer encoder is in communication with a multi-bit delta/sigma modulator to receive an oversampled binary coding representing an amplitude of a sampling of an analog signal. The oversampled binary coding is applied to an element selector to select the elements retaining or generating the element binary strings of bits of the multi-bit thermometer code. The multi-bit thermometer code is transferred to a rotational dynamic element matching circuit that rotationally selects order that the DAC elements are to receive each of the element binary strings of bits of the multi-bit thermometer code.