HI-565A
R3
100Ω
V
REF OUT
CC
3
BIP.
4
OFF.
8
11
10
9
R4
100Ω
20V SPAN
+
HI-565A
5K
10V
V
O
-
I
10V SPAN
C
REF
9.95K
DAC
5K
0.5mA
19.95K
6
REF
IN
I
O
+
-
DAC
OUT
(4 x I
+
-
REF
x CODE)
2.5K
3.5K
3K
5
REF
GND
R
(SEE
TABLE 2)
CODE
INPUT
7
12
24 13
MSB LSB
-V
EE
PWR
GND
FIGURE 2. BIPOLAR VOLTAGE OUTPUT
(Cases (b) and (c) may be eliminated unless the overshoot
exceeds 0.5 LSB). For example, refer to Figure 3 for the
measurement of case (d).
Settling Time
This is a challenging measurement, in which the result
depends on the method chosen, the precision and quality of
test equipment and the operating configuration of the DAC
(test conditions). As a result, the different techniques in use
by converter manufacturers can lead to consistently different
results. An engineer should understand the advantage and
limitations of a given test method before using the specified
settling time as a basis for design.
Procedure
As shown in Figure 3B, settling time equals t plus the
X
comparator delay (t = 15ns). To measure t :
D
X
• Adjust the delay on generator No. 2 for a t of several
X
microseconds. This assures that the DAC output has
settled to its final value.
The previous approach calls for a strobed comparator to
sense final perturbations of the DAC output waveform. This
gives the LSB a reasonable magnitude (814µV for the
HI-565A), which provides the comparator with enough
overdrive to establish an accurate ±0.5 LSB window about the
final settled value. Also, the required test conditions simulate
the DACs environment for a common application - use in a
successive approximation A/D converter. Considerable
experience has shown this to be a reliable and repeatable way
to measure settling time.
• Switch on the LSB (+5V).
• Adjust the V
LSB
supply for 50% triggering at
COMPARATOR OUT. This is indicated by traces of
equal brightness on the oscilloscope display as shown
in Figure 3B. Note DVM reading.
• Switch the LSB to Pulse (P).
• Readjust the V
supply for 50% triggering as before,
LSB
and note DVM reading. One LSB equals one tenth the
difference in the DVM readings noted above.
The usual specification is based on a 10V step, produced by
• Adjust the V
LSB
supply to reduce the DVM reading by 5
simultaneously switching all bits from off-to-on (t ) or on-
ON
LSBs (DVM reads 10X, so this sets the comparator to
sense the final settled value minus 0.5 LSB).
Comparator output disappears.
to-off (t
OFF
). The slower of the two cases is specified, as
measured from 50% of the digital input transition to the final
entry within a window of ±0.5 LSB about the settled value.
Four measurements characterize a given type of DAC:
• Reduce generator No. 2 delay until comparator output
reappears, and adjust for “equal brightness”.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
t
t
, to final value +0.5 LSB
, to final value -0.5 LSB
ON
ON
• Measure t from scope as shown in Figure 3B. Settling
X
time equals t + t , i.e., t + 15ns.
X
D
X
t
, to final value +0.5 LSB
OFF
t
, to final value -0.5 LSB
OFF
6