ADC based measurements: Identification of the parameters for the uncertainty evaluation

In the last years, many Authors have dealt with the uncertainty evaluation of the measurement performed by using an analog-to-digital converter, proposing different approach to analyze the uncertainty propagation. In all these studies, it is clearly pointed out that starting from the manufacturer specifications is the least expensive, the least time consuming and, often, the most accurate way to assess the uncertainties. However, the Authors, which have proposed methodologies for the uncertainty assessment, use different parameters as starting point. One of the main reasons which has caused this situation is the coexistent of various Standards concerning the characterization of the analog-to-digital converters. Target of the paper is the choice, among the large number of parameters proposed by the various Standards, of a minimum set of figures of merit which allows a correct uncertainty evaluation of a generic measurement performed by using an analog-to-digital converter.