Abstract: This application note describes how sampling clock jitter (time interval error or "TIE jitter") affectsthe performance of delta-sigma digital-to-analog converters (DACs). New insights explain the importanceof separately specifying low-frequency (< 2x passband frequency) and high-frequency or wideband (> 2xpassband frequency) jitter tolerance in these devices. The article also provides an application example ofa simple highly jittered cycle-skipped sampling clock and describes a method for generating a properbroadband jittered clock. The document then goes on to compare Maxim's audio DAC jitter tolerance tocompetitor audio DACs. Maxim's exceptionally high jitter tolerance allows very simple and low-cost sampleclock implementations.
