AD9203
Rev. B | Page 12 of 28
INPUT AND REFERENCE OVERVIEW
Like the voltage applied to the top of the resistor ladder in a
flash A/D converter, the value VREF defines the maximum
input voltage to the A/D core. The minimum input voltage to
the A/D core is automatically defined to be VREF.
The addition of a differential input structure gives the user an
additional level of flexibility that is not possible with traditional
flash converters. The input stage allows the user to easily
configure the inputs for either single-ended operation or
differential operation. The A/D’s input structure allows the dc
offset of the input signal to be varied independently of the input
span of the converter. Specifically, the input to the A/D core is
the difference of the voltages applied at the AINP and AINN
input pins. Therefore, the equation,
VCORE = AINP AINN
(1)
defines the output of the differential input stage and provides
the input to the A/D core.
The voltage, VCORE, must satisfy the condition,
VREF ≤ VCORE ≤ VREF
(2)
where VREF is the voltage at the VREF pin.
The actual span (AINP AINN) of the ADC is ±VREF.
While an infinite combination of AINP and AINN inputs exist
that satisfy Equation 2, an additional limitation is placed on the
inputs by the power supply voltages of the AD9203. The power
supplies bound the valid operating range for AINP and AINN.
The condition,
AVSS 0.3 V < AINP < AVDD + 0.3 V
AVSS 0.3 V < AINN < AVDD + 0.3 V
(3)
where AVSS is nominally 0 V and AVDD is nominally 3 V,
defines this requirement. The range of valid inputs for AINP
and AINN is any combination that satisfies both Equations 2
and 3.
INTERNAL REFERENCE CONNECTION
A comparator within the AD9203 will detect the potential of
the VREF pin. If REFSENSE is grounded, the reference
amplifier switch will connect to the resistor divider (see
Figure19). That will make VREF equal to 1 V. If resistors are placed
between VREF, REFSENSE and ground, the switch will be
connected to the REFSENSE position and the reference
amplitude will depend on the external programming resistors
(Figure 21). If REFSENSE is tied to VREF, the switch will also
connect to REFSENSE and the reference voltage will be 0.5 V
core and establish its maximum and minimum span. The range
of the ADC will equal twice the voltage at the reference pin for
either an internal or external reference.
Figure 19 illustrates the input configured with a 1 V reference.
This will set the single-ended input of the AD9203 in the 2 V
span (2 × VREF). This example shows the AINN input is tied to
the 1 V VREF. This will configure the AD9203 to accept a 2 V
input centered around 1 V.
00573-019
ADC
CORE
+
–
10
F
0.1
F
0.1
F
0.1
F
0.1
F
10
F
AINP
AINN
VREF
0.5V
REFTF
REFBF
REFSENSE
2V
0V
AD9203
2V
1V
LOGIC
Figure 19. Internal Reference Set for a 2 V Span
Figure 20 illustrates the input configured with a 0.5 V reference.
This will set the single-ended input of the ADC in a 1 V span
(2 × VREF). The AINN input is tied to the 0.5 VREF. This will
configure the AD9203 to accept a 1 V input centered around
0.5 V.
00573-
020
ADC
CORE
+
–
LOGIC
AINP
AINN
VREF
0.5V
REFTF
REFBF
REFSENSE
1V
0V
1.75V
1.25V
AD9203
0.1
F
0.1
F
0.1
F
0.1
F
10
F
10
F
Figure 20. Internal Reference Set for a 1 V Span
Figure 21 shows the reference programmed by external resistors
for 0.75 V. This will set the ADC to receive a 1.5 V span
centered about 0.75 V. The reference is programmed according
to the algorithm:
VREF = 0.5 V × [1 + (RA/RB)]