Sigma-Delta Convertor: Functions & Advantages/Disadvantages

[propergomper]

hi i was wondering if anyone could tell me about a sigma-delta convertor

what its general functions and the advantages/disadvantages over other ADC's?

thanks

 

[berkeman]

The wikipedia.org article on ADCs includes the sigma-delta converter, along with a comparison to other topologies of ADCs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog-to-digital_converter

 

[ravenprp]

A sigma-delta converter is a type of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that utilizes a technique called oversampling to achieve high-resolution conversion. The basic function of a sigma-delta converter is to convert an analog signal into a digital signal, which can then be processed by a digital system. This type of converter is commonly used in audio applications, such as digital audio recording and playback.

One of the main advantages of a sigma-delta converter is its ability to achieve high resolution and accuracy. This is due to the oversampling technique, which samples the analog signal at a much higher rate than the desired output rate. This results in a higher number of samples, which can then be averaged to improve the resolution of the digital signal.

Another advantage of sigma-delta converters is their high level of noise rejection. The oversampling technique allows for the filtering of high-frequency noise, resulting in a more accurate and stable conversion. This is especially useful in audio applications where noise can greatly affect the quality of the signal.

However, one disadvantage of sigma-delta converters is their relatively slow conversion speed. The oversampling technique requires more time to process a signal, which can be a limitation in applications where real-time conversion is necessary.

Another disadvantage is the complexity of the design and the need for additional digital processing to extract the converted signal. This can result in higher costs and more complex circuitry compared to other types of ADCs.

In summary, sigma-delta converters offer high resolution and noise rejection, making them well-suited for audio applications. However, their slower conversion speed and complexity may be a limitation in certain applications.