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227-0146-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-ITET , D-PHYS

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Analog-to-Digital Converters

Does not take place this semester. Course will be moved to the fall semester 2021.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:41:23

Abstract

This course provides a thorough treatment of integrated data conversion systems from system level specifications and trade-offs, over architecture choice down to circuit implementation.

Objective

Data conversion systems are substantial sub-parts of many electronic systems, e.g. the audio conversion system of a home-cinema systems or the base-band front-end of a wireless modem. Data conversion systems usually determine the performance of the overall system in terms of dynamic range and linearity. The student will learn to understand the basic principles behind data conversion and be introduced to the different methods and circuit architectures to implement such a conversion. The conversion methods such as successive approximation or algorithmic conversion are explained with their principle of operation accompanied with the appropriate mathematical calculations, including the effects of non-idealties in some cases. After successful completion of the course the student should understand the concept of an ideal ADC, know all major converter architectures, their principle of operation and what governs their performance.

Content

- Introduction: information representation and communication; abstraction, categorization and symbolic representation; basic conversion algorithms; data converter application; tradeoffs among key parameters; ADC taxonomy. - Dual-slope & successive approximation register (SAR) converters: dual slope principle & converter; SAR ADC operating principle; SAR implementation with a capacitive array; range extension with segmented array. - Algorithmic & pipelined A/D converters: algorithmic conversion principle; sample & hold stage; pipe-lined converter; multiplying DAC; flash sub-ADC and n-bit MDAC; redundancy for correction of non-idealties, error correction. - Performance metrics and non-linearity: ideal ADC; offset, gain error, differential and integral non-linearities; capacitor mismatch; impact of capacitor mismatch on SAR ADC's performance. - Flash, folding an interpolating analog-to-digital converters: flash ADC principle, thermometer to binary coding, sparkle correction; limitations of flash converters; the folding principle, residue extraction; folding amplifiers; cascaded folding; interpolation for folding converters; cascaded folding and interpolation. - Noise in analog-to-digital converters: types of noise; noise calculation in electronic circuit, kT/C-noise, sampled noise; noise analysis in switched-capacitor circuits; aperture time uncertainty and sampling jitter. - Delta-sigma A/D-converters: linearity and resolution; from delta-modulation to delta-sigma modulation; first-oder delta-sigma modulation, circuit level implementation; clock-jitter & SNR in delta-sigma modulators; second-order delta-sigma modulation, higher-order modulation, design procedure for a single-loop modulator. - Digital-to-analog converters: introduction; current scaling D/A converter, current steering DAC, calibration for improved performance.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides are available online underhttps://iis-students.ee.ethz.ch/lectures/analog-to-digital-converters/

Literature

- B. Razavi, Principles of Data Conversion System Design, IEEE Press, 1994 - M. Gustavsson et. al., CMOS Data Converters for Communications, Springer, 2010 - R.J. van de Plassche, CMOS Integrated Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Converters, Springer, 2010

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Analog-to-Digital Converters Does not take place this semester.	No time listed	2 h weekly
exercise	Analog-to-Digital Converters Does not take place this semester.	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Electronics and Photonics". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
      - Advanced Core Courses
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Electronics and Photonics
      - Core Subjects (These core subjects are particularly recommended for the field of "Electronics and Photonics".)
Doctoral Dep. of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (More Information at: )
- Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Courses (A minimum of 12 ECTS credit points must be obtained during doctoral studies. The courses on offer below are but a small selection out of a much larger available number of courses. Please discuss your course selection with your PhD supervisor.)
Quantum Engineering Master
- Electives (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)