Digital characterization techniques for the analog performance of mixed-signal devices

The authors describe a theoretical framework for obtaining a detailed characterization of the analog properties of a mixed-signal transmission channel and present experimental results for the technique applied to an actual device. The inputs to, and outputs from, the channel under test are all digital. They thus avoid the many problems associated with analog fixturing and wiring and obviate the need for analog instrumentation. These experiments show that extensive performance information can be obtained with high accuracy and repeatability if the proper type of digital signal processing is employed. The characterization and testing issues described are generic to many newer analog and mixed-signal devices