CTSD Precision ADCs (Part 4): Ease of ADC Input and Reference Drive Simplify Signal-Chain Design (Download)

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The key to achieving optimal signal chain performance is ensuring that the input source or the reference itself isn’t corrupted when interfaced with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). With traditional ADCs, complex signal-condition circuitry design, otherwise referred to as front-end design, is required for the seamless interface of input and reference to the ADC.

The unique architectural properties of continuous-time sigma-delta (CTSD) ADCs enable simplified and innovative ways of interfacing this ADC to the input and reference. To begin, let’s quickly recap traditional ADC front-end designs.