
MAX5878
16-Bit, 250Msps, High-Dynamic-Performance,
Dual DAC with LVDS Inputs
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17
Dynamic Performance Parameter Definitions
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
For a waveform perfectly reconstructed from digital sam-
ples, the theoretical maximum SNR is the ratio of the full-
scale analog output (RMS value) to the RMS quantization
error (residual error). The ideal, theoretical minimum can
be derived from the DAC’s resolution (N bits):
SNRdB = 6.02dB x N + 1.76dB
However, noise sources such as thermal noise, reference
noise, clock jitter, etc., affect the ideal reading; therefore,
SNR is computed by taking the ratio of the RMS signal to
the RMS noise, which includes all spectral components
minus the fundamental, the first four harmonics, and the
DC offset.
Noise Spectral Density
The DAC output noise floor is the sum of the quantiza-
tion noise and the output amplifier noise (thermal and
shot noise). Noise spectral density is the noise power in
1Hz bandwidth, specified in dBFS/Hz.
Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR)
SFDR is the ratio of RMS amplitude of the carrier fre-
quency (maximum signal components) to the RMS
value of their next-largest distortion component. SFDR
is usually measured in dBc and with respect to the car-
rier frequency amplitude or in dBFS with respect to the
DAC’s full-scale range. Depending on its test condition,
SFDR is observed within a predefined window or to
Nyquist.
Two-/Four-Tone Intermodulation Distortion (IMD)
The two-tone IMD is the ratio expressed in dBc (or dBFS)
of the worst 3rd-order (or higher) IMD product(s) to either
output tone.
Adjacent Channel Leakage Power Ratio (ACLR)
Commonly used in combination with wideband code-
division multiple-access (W-CDMA), ACLR reflects the
leakage power ratio in dB between the measured
power within a channel relative to its adjacent channel.
ACLR provides a quantifiable method of determining
out-of-band spectral energy and its influence on an
adjacent channel when a bandwidth-limited RF signal
passes through a nonlinear device.
Settling Time
The settling time is the amount of time required from the
start of a transition until the DAC output settles its new
output value to within the converter’s specified accuracy.
Glitch Impulse
A glitch is generated when a DAC switches between
two codes. The largest glitch is usually generated
around the midscale transition, when the input pattern
transitions from 011...111 to 100...000. The glitch
impulse is found by integrating the voltage of the glitch
at the midscale transition over time. The glitch impulse
is usually specified in pVs.