Signal Encoding and Processing in Continuous Time Using a Cascade of Digital Delays

We consider a digital encoding/processing system in which both the analog-to-digital converter and the digital signal processor are implemented by repeating a single fundamental design unit: the digital delay. Timing becomes an integral part of the resulting signal representation and processing, thereby promising to improve with technology scaling. System properties are studied and design considerations for a potential integrated implementation are discussed. Simulation results confirm the theory.