Glossary
Definition
Spurious-Free Dynamic Range: A term used to specify A/D and D/A converters (ADCs and DACs).
In ADCs, Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) is the ratio of the RMS amplitude of the carrier frequency (maximum signal component) to the RMS value of the next largest noise or harmonic distortion component. SFDR is usually measured in dBc (with respect to the carrier frequency amplitude) or in dBFS (with respect to the ADC's full-scale range).
In DACs, Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) is the ratio of the RMS amplitude of the carrier frequency (maximum signal components) to the RMS value of their next largest distortion component. SFDR is usually measured in dBc (with respect to the carrier frequency amplitude) or in dBFS (with respect to the DAC's full-scale range). Depending on the test condition, SFDR is observed within a pre-defined window or to Nyquist.
