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Application NoteAnalog

Component and Measurement Advances Ensure 16-Bit DAC Settling Time

Detailed guide on measuring 16-bit DAC settling time using sampling techniques to avoid oscilloscope overdrive and ensure 15ppm accuracy.

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Overview

This application note, authored by Jim Williams, addresses the technical challenges of measuring digital-to-analog converter (DAC) settling time to 16-bit (0.0015%) resolution. It explains why traditional summing node techniques fail due to oscilloscope overdrive and recovery limitations. The document details a high-performance measurement circuit utilizing a diode bridge sampling switch, a residue amplifier, and a delayed pulse generator to isolate the settling waveform. It provides performance data for specific components including the LTC1597 DAC and LT1468 operational amplifier, alongside discussions on compensation and reference selection for precision data acquisition.

Use Cases

  • High-precision instrumentation design
  • Waveform generation systems
  • Feedback control loop optimization
  • Automated test equipment (ATE) development
  • Data acquisition system calibration

Topics

16-bit DAC
Settling Time
Oscilloscope Overdrive
LTC1597
LT1468
Diode Bridge
Precision Measurement
Residue Amplifier
Data Acquisition
Jim Williams

Referenced Parts

CA3039M

Harris

SAMPLING BRIDGE AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIODES: HARRIS CA3039M

LM3045

Harris

Q3, Q4: LM3045 ARRAY

VHD-200

Vishay

VISHAY VHD-200, RATIO SET

LT1001

Linear Technology

LT1001 Amplifier

LT1012

Linear Technology

LT1012 Amplifier

LT1021

Linear Technology

LT1021 Reference-10V

LT1027

Linear Technology

LT1027 Reference-5V

LT1175-5

Linear Technology

LT1175-5 FOR – 5V

LT1220

Linear Technology

A1 LT1220

LT1222

Linear Technology

A2 LT1222

LT1236-10

Linear Technology

LT1236-10V

LT1461

Linear Technology

LT1461 Reference-4.096V

LT1468

Linear Technology

LT1468 Amplifier

LTC1595

Linear Technology

LTC1595 DAC

LTC1597

Linear Technology

LTC1597 DAC

LTC1650

Linear Technology

LTC1650 DAC

LM199A

Linear Technology

LM199A Reference-6.95V

LT317A

Linear Technology

USE LT317A FOR 5V

MRF-501

Motorola

Q1, Q2: MRF-501

74HC04

Generic

74HC04

S102

Vishay

VISHAY S102 RESISTOR 0.01%

VHD-200

Vishay

** VISHAY VHD-200, RATIO SET: 10ppm MATCHING

VHD-200

Vishay

**VISHAY VHD-200, RATIO SET: 10ppm MATCHING