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Low-resolution DAC-driven linearity testing of higher resolution ADCs using polynomial fitting measurements

Published: 01 March 2013 Publication History

Abstract

A low-cost linearity test methodology for high-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is presented in this paper. Linearity testing of ADCs requires high-precision digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) capability, commonly 3-bit higher resolution than the ADC under test. Further, a large number of ADC output data samples must be collected making conventional histogram testing impractical for high-resolution ADCs with 18-24 bit precision. In the proposed test methodology, two low-precision and low-cost DACs are used to generate a high-resolution ADC test stimulus. Significant reductions in test cost and test time are achieved by using low-cost instrumentation and by making fewer measurements than required for conventional histogram test. A least-squares-based polynomial fitting approach is used to determine the transfer function of the ADC under test. The generated transfer function is used to compute the non-linearity of the ADC accurately. No assumption is made regarding the linearity of the lower precision signal generators (DACs) used in the testing procedure. Software simulations and hardware experiments are performed to validate the proposed test methodology.

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Cited By

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  • (2024)Wavelet decomposition and reconstruction-based INL method for testing high-precision ADCMicroelectronics Journal10.1016/j.mejo.2023.105945142:COnline publication date: 27-Feb-2024
  • (2018)Quick and cost-efficient A/D converter static characterization using low-precision testing signalMicroelectronics Journal10.1016/j.mejo.2018.02.00174:C(86-93)Online publication date: 27-Dec-2018
  • (2014)ICEProceedings of the conference on Design, Automation & Test in Europe10.5555/2616606.2616832(1-4)Online publication date: 24-Mar-2014

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Published In

cover image IEEE Transactions on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Systems
IEEE Transactions on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Systems  Volume 21, Issue 3
March 2013
210 pages

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IEEE Educational Activities Department

United States

Publication History

Published: 01 March 2013
Accepted: 16 February 2012
Revised: 10 December 2011
Received: 11 July 2011

Author Tags

  1. analog-to-digital converters (ADCs)
  2. automated test equipment (ATE)
  3. built-in-self-test (BIST)
  4. device under test (DUT)
  5. differential nonlinearity
  6. digital-to-analog converters (DACs)
  7. integral nonlinearity

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View all
  • (2024)Wavelet decomposition and reconstruction-based INL method for testing high-precision ADCMicroelectronics Journal10.1016/j.mejo.2023.105945142:COnline publication date: 27-Feb-2024
  • (2018)Quick and cost-efficient A/D converter static characterization using low-precision testing signalMicroelectronics Journal10.1016/j.mejo.2018.02.00174:C(86-93)Online publication date: 27-Dec-2018
  • (2014)ICEProceedings of the conference on Design, Automation & Test in Europe10.5555/2616606.2616832(1-4)Online publication date: 24-Mar-2014

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