MAX5894
14-Bit, 500Msps, Interpolating and Modulating
Dual DAC with CMOS Inputs
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Power Supplies, Bypassing,
Decoupling, and Layout
Grounding and power-supply decoupling strongly influ-
ence the MAX5894 performance. Unwanted digital
crosstalk can couple through the input, reference,
power-supply, and ground connections, which can
affect dynamic specifications like signal-to-noise ratio
or spurious-free dynamic range. In addition, electro-
magnetic interference (EMI) can either couple into or
be generated by the MAX5894. Observe the grounding
and power-supply decoupling guidelines for high-
speed, high-frequency applications. Follow the power-
supply and filter configuration guidelines to achieve
optimum dynamic performance.
Using a multilayer printed circuit (PC) board with sepa-
rate ground and power-supply planes, run high-speed
signals on lines directly above the ground plane. Since
the MAX5894 has separate analog and digital sections,
the PC board should include separate analog and digi-
tal ground sections with only one point connecting the
three planes at the exposed paddle under the
MAX5894. Run digital signals above the digital ground
plane and analog/clock signals above the analog/clock
ground plane. Keep digital signals as far away from
sensitive analog inputs, reference lines, and clock
inputs as practical. Use a symmetric design of clock
input and the analog output lines to minimize 2nd-order
harmonic distortion components, thus optimizing the
dynamic performance of the DAC. Keep digital signal
paths short and run lengths matched to avoid propaga-
tion delay and data skew mismatches.
The MAX5894 requires five separate power-supply
inputs for the analog (AVDD1.8 and AVDD3.3), digital
(DVDD1.8 and DVDD3.3), and clock (AVCLK) circuitry.
Decouple each voltage supply pin with a separate
0.1µF capacitor as close to the device as possible and
with the shortest possible connection to the appropriate
ground plane. Minimize the analog and digital load
capacitances for optimized operation. Decouple all
power-supply voltages at the point they enter the PC
board with tantalum or electrolytic capacitors. Ferrite
beads with additional decoupling capacitors forming a
pi-network could also improve performance.
The exposed paddle MUST be soldered to the ground.
Use multiple vias, an array of at least 4 x 4 vias, directly
under the EP to provide a low thermal and electrical
impedance path for the IC.
Static Performance Parameter
Definitions
Integral Nonlinearity (INL)
Integral nonlinearity is the deviation of the values on an
actual transfer function from either a best straight-line fit
(closest approximation to the actual transfer curve) or a
line drawn between the end points of the transfer func-
tion, once offset and gain errors have been nullified.
For a DAC, the deviations are measured at every indi-
vidual step.
Differential Nonlinearity (DNL)
Differential nonlinearity is the difference between an
actual step height and the ideal value of 1 LSB. A DNL
error specification of less than 1 LSB guarantees no
missing codes and a monotonic transfer function.
Offset Error
The offset error is the difference between the ideal and
the actual offset current. For a DAC, the offset point is
the average value at the output for the two midscale
digital input codes with respect to the full-scale of the
DAC. This error affects all codes by the same amount.
Gain Error
A gain error is the difference between the ideal and the
actual full-scale output voltage on the transfer curve,
after nullifying the offset error. This error alters the slope
of the transfer function and corresponds to the same
percentage error in each step.
Dynamic Performance
Parameter Definitions
Settling Time
The settling time is the amount of time required from the
start of a transition until the DAC output settles its new
output value to within the specified accuracy.
Noise Spectral Density
The DAC output noise is the sum of the quantization
noise and thermal noise. Noise spectral density is the
noise power in 1Hz bandwidth, specified in dBFS/Hz.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
For a waveform perfectly reconstructed from digital
samples, the theoretical maximum SNR is the ratio of
the full-scale analog output (RMS value) to the RMS
quantization error (residual error). The ideal, theoretical
maximum SNR can be derived from the DAC’s resolu-
tion (N bits):
SNRdB = 6.02dB x N + 1.76dB