Exploring dynamics of embedded ADC through adapted digital input stimuli

This paper reports an evaluation of adapted digital signals as a test stimulus to test dynamic parameters of analog-to-digital converters (ADC). In the first instance, the simplest digital waveform, a pulse signal, is taken as the test stimulus. The dynamics of the device under test while applying digital signals can reflect certain faults. The method is validated by simulation of a design at the transistor level of a 6-bit flash ADC in 120 nm CMOS technology.