David Nairn
Analog Devices

Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) can be implemented using a variety of different architectures. This paper describes the three most common architectures for Nyquist rate ADCs, each of which are based on one of three search methods: full parallel searches, binary searches, and sequential searches. By being aware of and understanding the relative merits of each approach, the designer will be able to select an appropriate ADC architecture for any desired application.