A rapid dither algorithm advances A/D converter testing

An innovative implementation of the ADC (analog-to-digital-converter) servo-test method that provides a very fast and accurate static linearity test for all codes is described. The rapid dither software algorithm and requisite ATE (automatic test equipment) hardware are described and compared with other common test methods. The servo (or dither) method for static linearity testing is compared with the ramp method. Experimental data are provided for a popular 12-b converter.<
>