Analogue to Digital Conversion.ppt

Analogue to Digital Conversion Digital Signal Processing A digital signal is an approximation of an analog one Levels of signal are sampled and converted to a discrete bit pattern. Resistor networks can be used to convert digital signals into analogue voltages Step (discrete) approximation This Lecture Methods of analogue to digital conversion flash counter ramp successive approximation Sample interval and aliasing problems Sample and hold circuits The Comparator Most A-D converters use a comparator as part of the conversion process A comparator compares 2 signals A and B if A B the comparator output is in one logic state (0, say) if B A then it is in the opposite state (1, say) A comparator can be built using an op amp with no feedback Flash Converter Uses a reference and a comparator for each of the discrete levels represented in the digital output Number of comparators = number of quantisation levels Not practical for more than 10 bit converters generally fast but expensive Counter-ramp Converter Comprises a D-A converter, a single comparator, a counter, a clock and control logic When a conversion is required A signal (conversion request) is sent to the converter and the counter is reset to zero a clock signal increments the counter until the reference voltage generated by the D-A converter is greater than the analogue input At this point in time the output ofthe comparator goes to alogic 1, which notifies thecontrol logic theconversion has finished The value of the counteris output as the digitalvalue Counter-ramp Converter The time between the start andend of the conversion is knownas the conversion time A drawback of the counter-rampconverter is the length of timerequired to convert large voltages We must assume the worst case when calculating conversion times Successive Approximation Converter Counter replaced by a register Contents of register decided by clock and control logic When a conversion is required: contents of register cleared V