Converter voltage reference performance improvement secrets

During the design process, many designers tend to examine each component separately. In mixed-signal design, however, in which different types of components are used, one must have a complete understanding of the individual components as well as their impact on and performance contribution to the overall system. When a design involves analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) or digital-to-analog converters (DACs), the analog signal buffer and the reference voltage source are as critical as is the converter selected. To achieve proper signal chain design, a deeper understanding of each component is necessary, and special care must be taken to consider the interaction between the different components and the respective impact on the overall system performance. With proper design and tuning of the signal chain, it is possible to preserve signal integrity and obtain the expected results.