Latest Data Converters Technical Articles

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Introduction to Servo-Loop ADC Testing

Servo-loop testing allows the determination of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) transfer function. This article will describe the basics of servo-loop ADC testing and illustrate several different servo-loop test configurations.

August 20, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Improving ADC SFDR Using Dithering for Communication System Applications

Learn more about dithering, namely improving the spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that exhibits differential nonlinearity (DNL) errors.

May 21, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Analyzing a Negative Voltage Charge Pump in LTspice—Source and Load Resistance

Learn about using LTspice simulations to provide important insight into the performance of a switched-capacitor voltage-inverting power supply.

May 14, 2023 by Robert Keim

Understanding Limitations to Increasing SFDR in High-speed ADCs

Learn about two nonlinearity sources, spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR), and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).

April 30, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Can Voltage Be Negative? Understanding Negative Voltage

In addition to explaining the nature of a negative voltage, this article briefly discusses how negative voltages are generated and why they are useful in circuit design.

April 02, 2023 by Robert Keim

Reducing Quantization Distortion Via Subtractive and Non-subtractive Dithering

Learn how dithering can suppress both harmonic and non-harmonic spurs and two different types of dithering systems: subtractive and non-subtractive topologies.

February 24, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

Introduction to Multiphase DC-DC Converters

This article explores step-down switching power supplies that divide output current among multiple regulation subcircuits operating in parallel.

February 07, 2023 by Robert Keim

Error Analysis in Analog-to-digital Converter (ADC) Applications

Through four different examples, learn about analog-to-digital converter (ADC) system error analysis.

January 20, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

ADC Resolution vs. Accuracy—Sub-range ADCs, Two-step ADCs, and TUE

Learn about characterizing different analog-to-digital converter (ADC) error sources such as resolution and accuracy.

January 08, 2023 by Dr. Steve Arar

ADC INL Errors—Best Fit Line, Total Unadjusted Error, Absolute and Relative Accuracy

Learn more about integral nonlinearity (INL) in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), like the best fit line INL definition, absolute accuracy, relative accuracy, and total unadjusted error (TUE).

December 30, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Understanding ADC Integral Nonlinearity (INL) Error

Learn about the integral nonlinearity (INL) specification and how it relates to analog-to-digital converter (ADC) errors.

December 26, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

ADC Nonlinearity—Missing Codes, Monotonicity, and Nonlinearity Effect on SNR

Learn about eliminating missing codes through averaging, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) monotonicity, and the effect of ADC nonlinearity on the system's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

December 18, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Understanding ADC Differential Nonlinearity (DNL) Error

Learn about an imperfection that can affect the system response, the ADC’s nonlinearity, namely the differential nonlinearity (DNL) and integral nonlinearity (INL) specifications.

December 09, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

What is Dithering? Using Dithering to Eliminate Quantization Distortion

Learn how dithering can be added to a signal to improve the performance of an analog-to-digital conversion system by eliminating quantization error and distortion.

December 04, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

System Calibration and Background Calibration in Precision ADCs

Learn about two calibration functions in precision ADCs: system calibration and background calibration modes.

December 02, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Offset and Gain Calibration Functions in Precision ADCs: Self-calibration

Learn about the self-calibration or internal calibration function in an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

November 27, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Trim Out ADC Offset and Gain Error Using Two Point Calibration

Learn about the two-point calibration method and the fixed-point implementation to compensate for analog-to-digital converter (ADC) offset and gain errors through an example.

November 20, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Understanding CMRR and its Relationship With ADC Offset Error

Learn how variations of the common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) can affect an analog-to-digital converter's (ADC) performance.

November 04, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

An Introduction to RTD Sensor Signal Conditioning Circuits

Learn about the basics of different signal conditioning circuits for RTD applications, including a voltage divider, Wheatstone bridge circuit, and delta-sigma (ΔΣ) converter.

October 30, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Ratiometric Resistance Measurement Basics Using an Analog to Digital Converter

Learn the basics of ratiometric resistance measurements in analog to digital (A/D) converters, how it's measured, and example uses in a digital multimeter (DMM), microprocessor, and various resistive sensors.

October 07, 2022 by Harry Trietley