ADC error taxonomy: Which of the following is NOT a standard analog-to-digital converter (ADC) conversion error term used in datasheets and textbooks?

Introduction / Context:
ADC performance is characterized by a well-defined set of error terms. Knowing these helps engineers read datasheets and build accurate error budgets for measurement systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Differential nonlinearity (DNL) measures step-to-step deviation from 1 LSB.
• Missing code indicates that one or more codes never appear.
• Offset and gain error are common linear errors.

Concept / Approach:
“Incorrect code” is not a standard specification; it is an informal symptom that might result from metastability, timing faults, or digital interface errors, but it is not a defined static error metric like DNL, INL, offset, gain, or missing codes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List standard ADC errors: offset, gain error, DNL, INL, missing codes, noise, and distortion.Compare options to the standard list.Identify the outlier: “incorrect code.”Therefore, the correct choice is the non-standard term.

Verification / Alternative check:
Open any precision ADC datasheet; you will find offset, gain, DNL/INL, and missing-code specs. “Incorrect code” is absent as a formal spec.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
DNL (option A) is a core linearity spec.

Missing code (option B) is a known defect tied to DNL > 1 LSB.

Offset (option D) is a first-order error.

Gain error (option E) is also a standard linear error.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing digital interface faults with converter core specs; always separate signal-chain issues (timing, clocking) from static error metrics.

Final Answer:
incorrect code