4
Definition of Terms
Nonlinearity: Error contributed by deviation of the DAC
transfer function from a “best straight line” through the actual
plot of transfer function. Normally expressed as a
percentage of full scale range or in (sub)multiples of 1 LSB.
Resolution: It is addressing the smallest distinct analog
output change that a D/A converter can produce. It is
commonly expressed as the number of converter bits. A
converter with resolution of N bits can resolve output changes
of 2-N of the full-scale range, e.g., 2-N VREF for a unipolar
conversion. Resolution by no means implies linearity.
Settling Time: Time required for the output of a DAC to
settle to within specified error band around its final value
(e.g., 1/2 LSB) for a given digital input change, i.e., all digital
inputs LOW to HIGH and HIGH to LOW.
Gain Error: The difference between actual and ideal analog
output values at full scale range, i.e., all digital inputs at
HIGH state. It is expressed as a percentage of full scale
range or in (sub)multiples of 1 LSB.
Feedthrough Error: Error caused by capacitive coupling
from VREF to IOUT1 with all digital inputs LOW.
Output Capacitance: Capacitance from IOUT1 and IOUT2
terminals to ground.
Output Leakage Current: Current which appears on IOUT1
terminal when all digital inputs are LOW or on IOUT2 terminal
when all digital inputs are HIGH.
Detailed Description
The AD7520 and AD7521 are monolithic, multiplying D/A
converters. A highly stable thin film R-2R resistor ladder
network and NMOS SPDT switches form the basis of the
converter circuit, CMOS level shifters permit low power
TTL/CMOS compatible operation. An external voltage or
current reference and an operational amplifier are all that is
required for most voltage output applications.
A simplified equivalent circuit of the DAC is shown in the
Functional Diagram. The NMOS SPDT switches steer the
ladder leg currents between IOUT1 and IOUT2 buses which
must be held either at ground potential. This configuration
maintains a constant current in each ladder leg independent
of the input code.
Converter errors are further reduced by using separate
metal interconnections between the major bits and the
outputs. Use of high threshold switches reduce offset
(leakage) errors to a negligible level.
The level shifter circuits are comprised of three inverters with
positive feedback from the output of the second to the first, see
Figure 1. This configuration results in TTL/CMOS compatible
operation over the full military temperature range. With the
ladder SPDT switches driven by the level shifter, each switch is
binarily weighted for an ON resistance proportional to the
respective ladder leg current. This assures a constant voltage
drop across each switch, creating equipotential terminations for
the 2R ladder resistors and highly accurate leg currents.
V+
DTL/TTL/
CMOS INPUT
13
4
5
6
72
89
TO LADDER
IOUT2 IOUT1
FIGURE 1. CMOS LEVEL SHIFTER AND SWITCH
Test Circuits The following test circuits apply for the AD7520. Similar circuits are used for the AD7521.
FIGURE 2. NONLINEARITY FIGURE 3. POWER SUPPLY REJECTION
10-BIT
BINARY
COUNTER
GND
15 16
1
5
4
13 32
AD7520
BIT 1
(MSB)
BIT 10
(LSB)
LINEARITY
ERROR
x 100
RFEEDBACK
IOUT1
IOUT2
HA2600
-
+
VREF
BIT 1
(MSB)
BIT 10
BIT 11
BIT 12
10kΩ 0.01%
1MΩ
10kΩ
0.01%
CLOCK
+15V
VREF
HA2600
-
+
12-BIT
REFERENCE
DAC
15
16
1
5
4
13 32
AD7520
BIT 1
(MSB)
BIT 10
(LSB)
HA2600
-
+
HA2600
-
+
500kΩ
UNGROUNDED
SINE WAVE
GENERATOR
40Hz 1VP-P
5kΩ 0.01%
5K 0.01%
RFEEDBACK
+15V
+10V
VREF
IOUT1
IOUT2
14
GND
VERROR x 100
AD7520, AD7521