Modelling and characterization of pipelined ADCs

The paper deals with the problems of modeling and testing of pipeline ADCs. In particular, such problems are faced through the realization of a modular virtual instrument. It has been developed in Java language in order to be remotely manageable through a common Internet browser. The instrument features include: (i) a module able to model an ADC through the specialization of a simplified behavioral model, also sketched in the paper; (ii) a module executing the dynamic testing of the device in frequency domain; (iii) a scalable database providing data sharing among more remote users; and (iv) some interface modules for programmable instrumentation. The paper also presents the results of the first validation phase of the instrument, carried out on two pipeline ADCs.