Course detail

Theory of AD and DA Signal Conversion

FEKT-MPA-TVPAcad. year: 2026/2027

Structure of a chain of blocks for analogue signal processing a nd reconstruction of digitized signal, applied codes. Programmable amplifiers, analogue multiplexers, input filters. SH and TH circuits. Parameters and types of DACs, chip structures, application notes. Parameters and types of ADCs, chip structures, application notes. Self calibration, testability. Vf and fV converters, Df converters, digital measurement of time intervals, phase, frequency. Design using ADCs and DACs.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Jiří Háze, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Microelectronics (UMEL)

Entry knowledge

The subject knowledge on the Bachelor´s degree level is requested mainly design of analog and digital circuits and knowledge of analysis and signal processing.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

- a maximum of 40points for protocols of laboratory exercises,
- a maximum of 60 points for the final exam, which consists of a written part (45 points) and oral exam (15 points).
Laboratory exercises are mandatory. Properly excused absence from seminars can be replaced by appointment with the teacher.

Aims

The target of subject is to introduce fundamental principles of A/D and D/A converters, parameters of integrated converters and their applications.
The student is able to:
- define the basic blocks signal processing chain of ADC and DAC,
- define and explain the basic parameters of AD and DA converters,
- describe the static transfer characteristic of AD and DA converters and mark some static parameters in it,
- describe the basic blocks of AD and DA converters (S/H, T/H stages, filters, reference, etc.), as well as design of those stages,
- describe and explain the function of the various structures of AD and DA converters, as well as on the basis of given parameters to select and design the most appropriate structure for the application.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Harpe, P., Baschirotto, A., Makinwa, K., A., A.: High-Performance AD and DA Converters, IC Design in Scaled Technologies, and Time-Domain Signal Processing: Advances in Analog Circuit Design, Springer, 2014, ISBN: 978-3319079370 (EN)
Holberg, D., R., Allen, P., E.: CMOS Analog Circuit Design, 3rd edition, 2013, ISBN: 978-0198097389 (EN)

Recommended reading

Gerfers, F., Ortmanns, M.: Continuous-Time Sigma-Delta A/D Conversion: Fundamentals, Performance Limits and Robust Implementations, Springer, 2006, ISBN: 978-3540284062 (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPA-NCP Master's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional, profile core courses

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Jiří Háze, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. AD and DA converters - basic principle, block diagram, basic static and dynamic parameters, task in data processing chain.
2. Signal preprocessing circuits - reasons of use, use of multiplexer and demultiplexer, inverted and uninverted networks, differential networks - examples of function connection.
3. Filter circuits - functions, examples of implementation, reasons of use in converters, approximation characteristics, precise filters.
4. Sampling circuits - S / H and T / H circuits - differences, functions, basic parameters, realization examples.
5. Voltage and current reference sources - simple references, transistor threshold controlled reference, bandgap reference, advantages, disadvantages, temperature dependence, stability.
6. Parallel DA converters - basic wiring and functions, use of R-2R network and modifications, weighting networks, typical representatives.
7. DA series converters - basic connection and functions, utilization of capacitors in network, examples of usage.
8. AD converters with high sampling frequencies - comparative, chain - basic wiring and functions, examples of use.
9. AD converters type SAR and integration - basic connection and function, examples of use.
10. Sigma-delta converters - basic wiring and functions, examples of use.
11. Transducer testing - static and dynamic tests. 

Laboratory exercise

39 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Jiří Háze, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. A/D and D/A converters – basic principles, block diagrams, key static and dynamic parameters, role in the data processing chain.

2. Parallel D/A converters – basic circuit configurations and operation, use of R-2R networks and their modifications, weighted networks, typical examples.

3. Serial D/A converters – basic circuit configurations and operation, use of capacitive networks, application examples.

4. High-sampling-rate A/D converters – flash (comparator-based) and pipeline architectures – basic circuit configurations and operation, application examples.

5. SAR and integrating A/D converters – basic circuit configurations and operation, application examples.

6. Sigma-delta converters – basic circuit configurations and operation, application examples. 

 

Regular individual preparation for activities in the semester

39 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Jiří Háze, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Independent study of lecture materials, exercises, recommended literature, and potentially other sources focused on completing assigned activities during the semester.

 

Individual preparation for a final exam

60 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Jiří Háze, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Independent review and systematization of the topics covered during the semester; study of course materials; practice of theoretical knowledge and practical skills; solving sample tasks and comprehensive preparation for the final examination.