Automated test-bed for analog to digital converters

An automated test-bed for Analog to Digital Converters is described, which is based upon an arrangement of equipments controlled by LabView to implement standard-based procedures that provide accurate values of the most relevant metrics of an ADC. The targeted metrics that the system has been conceived to provide are SNR, SINAD, ENOB, Worst Harmonic and SFDR. In essence, the developed system differs from previously reported similar solutions in that it is not restricted to characterize only ADC´s that operate at a specific range of conversion rate, neither was it developed to serve as a pass/no-pass testing base for production lines. Instead, it is uncommitted with either the type or speed of the ADC under test, thanks to its hardware modularity and incorporation of test routines for both slow and fast ADC´s. Moreover, it provides a wider range of information about the device under test, since it has been conceived as a tool to support designers in the development of ADC´s. Experimental testing results performed for the validation of the test-bed are presented and discussed.