Sigma-delta ADC characterization using noise transfer function pole-zero tracking

This work presents a new characterization method for SigmaDelta ADCs using noise transfer function pole zero tracking. In this scheme, the ADC poles and zeros are extracted from the measured FFT-plot. Furthermore, the pole-zero behavior with respect to test conditions including supply voltage, bias current and reference voltage can be analyzed. As a result, the pole-zero sensitivity to each test condition can be separately obtained. This can overcome the drawbacks of the conventional test method which mainly focuses on analyzing the FFT-plots and SNR value.