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HIGH SPEED DATA CONVERSION
By Mike Koen (602) 746-7337
INTRODUCTION
The design considerations for high-speed data conversion
are, in many ways, similar to those for data conversion in
general. High speed circuits may sometimes seem different
because device types can be limited and only certain design
techniques and architectures can be used with success. But
the basics are the same. High speed circuits or systems are
really those that tend to press the limits of state-of-the-art
dynamic performance.
This bulletin focuses on the more fundamental building
blocks such as op amps, sample/holds, digital to analog and
analog to digital converters (DACs and ADCs). It concludes
with test techniques. Op amps, which tend to be the basic
building blocks of systems, are be considered first. Sample/
holds which play an important role in data conversion are
considered next followed by DACs and finally ADCs. ADCs
are really a combination of the other three circuits. Emphasis
is given to hybrid and monolithic design techniques since, in
practice, the highest levels of performance are achieved
using these processes. The material is presented from a
design perspective. Theory and practical examples are of-
fered so both the data conversion component designer and
user will find the material useful. The concepts presented do
not require extensive experience with data conversion. Fun-
damental concepts are discussed allowing the subject to be
understood easily. The material emphasizes high speed cir-
cuit considerations鈥攃ircuit theory is not treated in depth.
Topics Covered in this Bulletin
A. Amplifier Architectures
1. Buffer
2. Operational
3. Open Loop
4. Comparator
B. Amplifier Applications
1. Sample/Hold
2. Peak Detector
C. Digital to Analog Converters
1. Bipolar
2. Deglitched DAC
D. Analog to Digital Converters
1. Successive Approximation
2. Flash
3. Sub-ranging
E. Test Techniques
1. Settling Time
2. Aperture Jitter
3. Beat Frequency Testing
4. Servo Loop Test
漏
1
V+
R
5
V
BIAS1
Q
6
Q
4
R
2
V
IN
Q
1
R
4
Q
2
R
3
R
1
Q
3
V
BIAS2
Q
5
R
6
V
OUT
3
4
V鈥?/div>
FIGURE 1. High Speed Bipolar Buffer.
AMPLIFIER ARCHITECTURES
Amplifiers of all types play an important role in data
conversion systems. Since high speed amplifiers are both
useful and difficult to design, an understanding of their
operation is important. Four different types of amplifier
architectures will be discussed. Buffers, op amps, open loop
amplifiers, and comparators can be found in just about any
signal processing application.
THE BUFFER
The open loop buffer is the ubiquitous modern form of the
emitter follower. This circuit is popular because it is simple,
low cost, wide band, and easy to apply. The open loop buffer
is important in high speed systems. It serves the same
purpose as the voltage follower in lower speed systems. It is
often used as the output stage of wideband op amps and
other types of broadband amplifiers. Consider the two buffer
circuit diagrams, Figures 1 and 2. The output impedance of
each buffer is about 5鈩?and bandwidths of several hundred
megahertz can be achieved. The FET buffer is usually
implemented in hybrid form as very wideband FETs and
transistors are usually not available on the same monolithic
process. The all-bipolar form of the buffer is capable of
AB-027A
Printed in U.S.A. June, 1991
11
1991 Burr-Brown Corporation
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