In an example, a circuit includes a first comparator, a second comparator, a pulse counter, a processor, a first ADC, and a second ADC. The first comparator has a first input coupled to a first node, a second input, and an output. The second comparator has a first input coupled to a second node, a second input, and an output. A first DAC is coupled to the second input of the first comparator. A second DAC is coupled to the second input of the second comparator. The pulse counter has a first input coupled to the output of the first comparator and a second input coupled to the output of the second comparator. The first ADC has an input coupled to the first node and an output coupled to the processor. The second ADC has an input coupled to the second node and an output coupled to the processor.

A current source and/or current sink digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a DAC circuit that converts a digital code to an analog current or voltage signal, an optional transconductance circuit that converts a voltage output of the DAC circuit into a current signal, and an output circuit that amplifies a current output of the DAC circuit or optionally amplifies a current output of the transconductance circuit to set a desired high current output for application to an output of the current source and/or current sink DAC. A power supply control current may be coupled to a power supply circuit that supplies power to the output circuit of the current source and/or current sink DAC. The power supply control current adjusts the output of the power supply circuit to cause the current source and/or current sink DAC to operate at a higher power efficiency.

A current source and/or current sink digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a DAC circuit that converts a digital code to an analog current or voltage signal, an optional transconductance circuit that converts a voltage output of the DAC circuit into a current signal, and an output circuit that amplifies a current output of the DAC circuit or optionally amplifies a current output of the transconductance circuit to set a desired high current output for application to an output of the current source and/or current sink DAC. A power supply control current may be coupled to a power supply circuit that supplies power to the output circuit of the current source and/or current sink DAC. The power supply control current adjusts the output of the power supply circuit to cause the current source and/or current sink DAC to operate at a higher power efficiency.

A voltage comparator and a programmable counter coupled to a high-speed clock are used to provide a near constant delay time for use in a closed-loop system. The voltage comparator input-output time delay is characterized at a certain temperature and operating voltage then variances in the voltage comparator delay times over a range of operating temperatures and voltages are measured and/or extrapolated. A number of clock pulses used for a delay time count are programmed into the programmable counter to provide for a near constant delay time from a change at the input of the voltage comparator to a change at the output of the programmable counter.

A digital-analog conversion circuit includes an arithmetic circuit, a voltage output unit, decoders, and output lines. The arithmetic circuit receives a digital signal of multiple bits, divides the multiple bits into groups of two or more bits, and outputs a logical operation result of each group. The voltage output unit outputs voltages having different values. The decoders receive each voltage and the logical operation result, and outputs an analog signal corresponding to the digital signal. The output lines correspond to the decoders. Each decoder includes switches and selection units. The switches correspond to the voltages. Each switch alternates between output, of a corresponding voltage, to a corresponding output line and non-output, of a corresponding voltage, to a corresponding output line. The selection units correspond to the switches. The selection units receive the logical operation result, and each selection unit controls a corresponding switch based on the logical operation result.

A test and measurement instrument including a digital-to-analog converter having an output sample rate configured to receive a digital sample waveform and a reference clock and output an analog waveform at the sample rate, a waveform synthesizer configured to receive an input waveform having a baud rate and output a digital sample waveform having a baud rate less than the sample rate of the digital-to-analog converter, and a port configured to output the analog waveform.

A LIDAR device includes an input node, an output node, and a sample-and-convert circuit. The input node receives a photodetector signal, and the output node generates an output signal indicating a light intensity value of the photodetector signal. The sample-and-convert circuit includes a number of detection channels coupled in parallel between the input node and the output node. In some aspects, each of the detection channels may be configured to sample a value of the photodetector signal during the sample mode and to hold the sampled value during the convert mode using a single capacitor.

A method and related apparatus for outputting an analog signal are disclosed. A plurality of transmit levels corresponding to respective predetermined equalization levels is provided. A stream of digital signals carrying data is provided. A transmit level from among the plurality of transmit levels based on the digital signals carrying data is selected. The selected transmit level is received, the selected transmit level is converted to an analog signal of the selected transmit level, and the analog signal of the selected transmit level is output over a signal interface.

The processing of information is performed using a magneto-optic circuit that modifies the polarization of light using the Kerr effect. Magneto-optic circuits perform digital-to-analog conversion, comparison of values, and mathematical operations. Current carrying wires pass near a fiber-optic that carries polarized light. Each individual wire contributes a modification to the polarization of the light based on the current carried in each wire. The modified light is passed through a polarizer, and the intensity of the light may be measured with a photodiode to produce an electrical signal representing a result.

The processing of information is performed using a magneto-optic circuit that modifies the polarization of light using the Kerr effect. Magneto-optic circuits perform digital-to-analog conversion, comparison of values, and mathematical operations. Current carrying wires pass near a fiber-optic that carries polarized light. Each individual wire contributes a modification to the polarization of the light based on the current carried in each wire. The modified light is passed through a polarizer, and the intensity of the light may be measured with a photodiode to produce an electrical signal representing a result.