A comparison of modulator networks for high-order oversampled Sigma Delta analog-to-digital converters

After a discussion of the practical problem of comparing the relative performance of all known high-order modulator networks with respect to resolution, stability, input range, component sensitivities, finite amplifier gains, and bandwidths, equations are derived and verified by computer simulation that relate reduction in signal-to-noise ratio to component mismatch and finite amplifier gain, allowing designers to choose the best network for a particular application. A third-order, sigma-delta ( Sigma - Delta ) oversampled analog-to-digital (A/D) modulator network is presented. It shows improved performance in most respects over previous modulators. Although its theoretical performance in the absence of circuit nonidealities is below that of the triple first-order cascade network, when practical impairments such as finite amplifier gains and component mismatch are considered, it displays superior performance. Gain and offset errors are potentially lower for this network due to its ability to use a single capacitor for input signal and D/A feedback. A markedly reduced sensitivity to nonidealities for this network implies that monolithic circuits could be manufactured with better processing yields and hence lower unit costs.<
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