Abstract: In a method of converting an analog signal to digital format, an analog input signal is received and processed using sigma-delta modulation to provide a first digital signal that represents the analog input signal in digital format and to provide a second digital signal that represents a first error introduced during the sigma-delta modulation. A second error that is error introduced during the sigma-delta modulation is estimated. A pre-correction signal is determined based on the first and second digital signals. A difference between the estimated second error and the pre-correction digital signal is determined to provide a digital output signal representing the analog input signal in digital format. An error correction element operable to adjust the digital output signal based on the analog input signal, the digital output signal, and the second digital signal is controlled.

Abstract: Mechanisms to calibrate a digital to analog converter (DAC) of an SDM (sigma delta modulator) are disclosed. An extra DAC element in addition to the DAC is used to function in place of a DAC element under calibration. A signal (e.g., a random sequence of ?1 and +1) is injected to the DAC element under calibration, and the estimated error and compensation are acquired.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is provided. The DAC includes a least-significant bit (LSB) block, and dummy LSB block adjacent to the LSB block. The DAC has a most-significant bit (MSB) block, which includes MSB thermometer macros. The method includes measuring the dummy LSB block to obtain a dummy LSB sum; and calibrating the MSB block so that each of the MSB thermometer macros provides a substantially same current as the dummy LSB sum.

Abstract: Mechanisms to calibrate a digital to analog converter (DAC) of an SDM (sigma delta modulator) are disclosed. An extra DAC element in addition to the DAC is used to function in place of a DAC element under calibration. A signal (e.g., a random sequence of ?1 and +1) is injected to the DAC element under calibration, and the estimated error and compensation are acquired.

Abstract: An analog to digital convertor (ADC) includes a plurality of comparators one of which is referred to as an auxiliary comparator (e.g., comparator “Aux”). This comparator Aux is calibrated in the background while other comparators function as usual. Once having been calibrated, the comparator Aux replaces a first comparator, which becomes a new comparator Aux, is calibrated, and replaces the second comparator. This second comparator becomes the new comparator Aux, is calibrated, and replaces the third comparator, etc., until all comparators are calibrated. In effect, at any one point in time, a comparator may be calibrated as desire while other comparators and thus the ADC are operating as usual.

Abstract: A method of operating an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes providing the ADC including a plurality of stages, each including an operational amplifier, and a first capacitor and a second capacitor including a first input end and a second input end, respectively. Each of the first capacitor and the second capacitor includes an additional end connected to a same input of the operational amplifier. The method further includes performing a plurality of signal conversions. Each of the signal conversions includes, in an amplifying phase of one of the plurality of stages, applying a first voltage to the first input end of the one of the plurality of stages, randomly selecting a second voltage from two different voltages; and applying the second voltage to the second input end of the one of the plurality of stages.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is provided. The DAC includes a least-significant bit (LSB) block, and dummy LSB block adjacent to the LSB block. The DAC has a most-significant bit (MSB) block, which includes MSB thermometer macros. The method includes measuring the dummy LSB block to obtain a dummy LSB sum; and calibrating the MSB block so that each of the MSB thermometer macros provides a substantially same current as the dummy LSB sum.