Estimating performance parameters for a current source DAC

An ever present issue in the design of analog circuits is the challenge of estimating power dissipation, size on silicon, cost etc. We would all like to know these factors as early on as possible. Both designers and customers can benefit from this information. These parameters are very dependent on the specifications and therefore the technology chosen for implementation. As we got to pondering this, a customer did, very bluntly, ask for these estimates for a current source "high speed" DAC. As a result we had to go and look at these design factors. Ultimately it turned out that the results of that little study turned into a report. We published the report and it proved to be very useful indeed, not only for that particular item but for a broad class of analog devices. The report is available at www.signalpro.biz/pcsdac.htm for interested viewers.