Current source array for high speed, high resolution current steering DACs

摘要

Current source arrays having a plurality of current sources arranged in an array of columns and rows are disclosed. The outputs of the current sources in even rows of the first column of an array are connected to the output of a current source in each of the other columns located along a first diagonal through the array from the respective current source in the first column. Also the outputs of the current sources in odd rows of the first column of the array are each connected to the output of a current source in each of the other columns located along a second diagonal through the array from the respective current source in the first column, the second diagonals being in an opposite diagonal direction from the first diagonals. When used in a current steering thermometer DAC, preferably but not necessarily, the current sources for the least significant bits are located on a main diagonal of the array.