Application Note 74
July 1998
Component and Measurement Advances Ensure
16-Bit DAC Settling Time
The art of timely accuracy
Jim Williams
Introduction
Instrumentation, waveform generation, data acquisition,
feedback control systems and other application areas are
beginning to utilize 16-bit data converters. More specifically, 16-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) have
seen increasing use. New components (see Components
for 16-Bit Digital-to-Analog Conversion, page 2) have
made 16-bit DACs a practical design alternative1. These
ICs provide 16-bit performance at reasonable cost compared to previous modular and hybrid technologies. The
DC and AC specifications of the monolithic DAC’s
approach or equal previous converters at significantly
lower cost.
DAC Settling Time
DAC DC specifications are relatively easy to verify. Measurement techniques are well understood, albeit often
tedious. AC specifications require more sophisticated
approaches to produce reliable information. In particular,
the settling time of the DAC and its output amplifier is
extraordinarily difficult to determine to 16-bit resolution. …