A complete high-speed voltage output 16-bit monolithic DAC

A new single-chip 16-bit monolithic digital/analog converter (DAC) with on-chip voltage reference and operational amplifiers has achieved /spl plusmn/0.0015% linearity, 10 ppm//spl deg/C gain drift, and 4-/spl mu/s settling time. Novel elements of the 16-bit DAC include: the fast settling open-loop reference with a buried Zener, a fast-settling output operational amplifier without the use of feedforward compensation, and a modified R-2R ladder network. Thermal considerations played a significant role in the design. The DAC is fabricated using a 20-V process to reduce device sizes and therefore die size. All laser trimming including temperature drift compensation is performed at the wafer level. The converter does not require external components for operation.