5
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 methods before using the specified
settling time as a basis for design.
The approach used for several years at Intersil calls for a
strobed comparator to sense final perturbations of the DAC
output waveform. This gives the LSB a reasonable
magnitude (814mV for the HS-565BRH, which provides the
comparator with enough overdrive to establish an accurate
±
0.50
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.
The usual specification is based on a 10V step, produced by
simultaneously switching all bits from off-to-on (tON) or on-
to-off (tOFF). 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 ±0.50 LSB about the settled value.
Four measurements characterize a given type of DAC:
(a) tON, to final value +0.50
LSB
(b) tON, to final value -0.50 LSB
(c)
tOFF, to final value +0.50
LSB
(d) OFF, to final value -0.50
LSB
(Cases (b) and (c) may be eliminated unless the overshoot
exceeds 0.50
LSB). For example, refer to Figures 3A and 3B
for the measurement of case (d).
Procedure
As shown in Figure 3B, settling time equals tX plus the
comparator delay (tD = 15ns). To measure tX,
Adjust the delay on generator number 2 for a tX of several
microseconds. This assures that the DAC output has
settled to its final wave.
Switch on the LSB (+5V)
Adjust the VLSB 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 to LSB to Pulse (P)
Readjust the VLSB supply for 50% triggering as before,
and note DVM reading. One LSB equals one tenth the
difference in the DVM readings noted above.
Adjust the VLSB supply to reduce the DVM reading by 5
LSBs (DVM reads 10X, so this sets the comparator to
sense the final settled value minus 0.50 LSB). Comparator
output disappears.
Reduce generator number 2 delay until comparator output
reappears, and adjust for “equal brightness”.
Measure tX from scope as shown in Figure 3B. Settling
time equals tX + tD, i.e. tX + 15ns.
TABLE 1. OPERATING MODES AND CALIBRATION
MODE
CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS
CALIBRATION
OUTPUT
RANGE
PIN 10
TO
PIN 11
TO
RESISTOR
(R)
APPLY
INPUT CODE
ADJUST
TO SET VO
Unipolar (See Figure 1)
0 to +10V
VO
Pin 10
1.43K
All 0’s
All 1’s
R1
R2
0V
+9.99756V
0 to +5V
VO
Pin 9
1.1K
All 0’s
All 1’s
R1
R2
0V
+4.99878V
Bipolar (See Figure 2)
±
10V
NC
VO
1.69K
All 0’s
All 1’s
R3
R4
-10V
+9.99512V
±
5V
VO
Pin 10
1.43K
All 0’s
R3
R4
-5V
+4.99756V
±
2.5V
VO
Pin 9
1.1K
All 0’s
All 1’s
R3
R4
-2.5V
+2.49878V
HS-565BRH