SECTION 1-5 - Data Converters of the 1990s

Abstract

This chapter discusses about data converters of the 1990s. It points out that markets influencing data converters in the 1990s were even more diverse and demanding than that of 1980s. The communications during this period became a driving force for the development of low cost, low power, and high performance data converters in modems, cell phone handsets, and wireless infrastructure (base stations). The chapter also briefs about various trends such as packaging, putting an entire data acquisition system on a chip, including the input multiplexer, programmable gain amplifier (PGA), sample-and-hold, and the ADC function in the data converter market during this period. It further discusses about monolithic DACs (digital-to-analog converters) and monolithic ADCs (analog-to-digital converters) of the 1990s with examples. It also summarizes some of the key DAC and ADC developments during the 1990s. The chapter briefs about hybrid and modular DACs and ADCs of the 1990s.