Troubleshooting DACs — which performance characteristics are evaluated? When verifying a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which of the following characteristics might be checked to assess linearity and gain/offset behavior?

Introduction / Context:
Diagnosing DAC issues requires more than a quick output check. Linearity metrics such as differential nonlinearity (DNL), integral nonlinearity (INL), and monotonicity, along with gain and offset errors, determine how faithfully digital codes translate into analog levels. A systematic evaluation helps separate device faults from reference or load problems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Nonmonotonicity refers to outputs that decrease for an increasing code or vice versa.
• DNL measures step-size deviation between adjacent codes.
• “Low and high gain” here summarizes gain and offset errors (slope and intercept).

Concept / Approach:
To test a DAC, sweep codes across the range and measure the output with a calibrated DMM or ADC. Compute step sizes to estimate DNL, fit a line to all points to extract gain (slope) and offset (intercept), and check for monotonic behavior. Excessive DNL (> 1 LSB) can cause nonmonotonicity; significant gain/offset error skews absolute accuracy even when linearity is acceptable.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare measured DNL/INL with datasheet limits. Use histogram or code-density tests to reveal hidden glitches or missing codes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Any single metric alone can miss faults; comprehensive testing includes all listed characteristics.
• “Only output compliance voltage” is a boundary condition, not a linearity metric.

Common Pitfalls:

• Ignoring reference stability and load impedance; both can masquerade as DAC faults.

Final Answer:
all of the above