Digital Characterization Techniques for the Analog Performance of Mixed Signal Devices.

In this paper we describe a theorectical framework for obtaining a detailed characterization of the analog properties of a mixed signal transmission channel and present experimental results for the techique applied to an actual device. The inputs to, and outputs from, the channel under test are all digital. We 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.