What is the Maximum Quantization Error Voltage in a PCM System?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the maximum quantization error voltage in a Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) system, addressing aspects such as sampling rates, quantization noise ratios, and dynamic range. It includes theoretical considerations and practical calculations related to a specific input signal.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the minimum sampling rate required is 6000 Hz based on the Nyquist theorem, which requires sampling at least twice the highest frequency component.
  • Another participant clarifies that Nyquist's criterion suggests a sampling frequency greater than twice the highest frequency component, proposing a rate of 2B + 1 Hz to prevent aliasing.
  • Participants discuss the calculation of maximum quantization error voltage, with one suggesting it is derived from the number of quantization levels and the peak-to-peak voltage of the signal.
  • One participant calculates the error voltage as 15.63 mV based on 128 quantization levels, while another questions the use of quantization levels versus steps, suggesting that the number of steps should be used to find the step size and then the maximum error voltage.
  • There is a mention of drawing a visual representation to illustrate the placement of quantization levels, which may clarify confusion regarding quantization error.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct approach to calculating quantization error voltage, with no consensus reached on whether to use the number of quantization levels or steps. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method for determining maximum quantization error.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on assumptions about the signal characteristics and the definitions of quantization levels versus steps. There are unresolved mathematical steps in the derivation of the maximum quantization error voltage.

kukumaluboy
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Homework Statement



Q1
A linear PCM system has an input signal 2cos6000PIt volt. Determine,
(a) the minimum sampling rate required,
(b) the number of bits per PCM codeword required for a signal to quantization noise ratio of at least 40 dB,
(c) the maximum quantization error voltage,
(d) the dynamic range in dB.


(a) 6000 Hz (b) n = 7 (c) 15.63 mV (d) 42 dB




The Attempt at a Solution



a) By Nyquist theorom , for a analog signal to be accurate reproduced, it should be sampled at a rate of not less than 2 times the highest frequency.

2cos6000PIt = 2cosPIft
therefore highest f= 6000/2 = 3000Hz
Sample f= 2 x 3000Hz = 6kHz

b)SNq = 6n (in dB)

Therefore 40dB <=6n (bigger or equals to)
n= 7 bits

c) How to Do


d)Dynamic Range = 6n = 6*7 = 42 dB
 
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a) By Nyquist theorom , for a analog signal to be accurate reproduced, it should be sampled at a rate of not less than 2 times the highest frequency.

This quote says that given the highest frequency component of B Hz, 2B Hz is sufficient a sampling rate to prevent aliasing.

Nyquist requires a sampling frequency greater than twice the highest frequency component. Thus given the highest frequency component of B Hz, you must have 2B + 1 Hz sampling rate to prevent aliasing.

c) How to Do

Lets say you have an analogue sin wave with an amplitude of x, and you split that wave into 2^n different voltage levels for your digital approximation. How many volts are there per digital voltage level? Now let's say that the analogue signal is right smack bang in the middle of one of these digital levels, what happens if you go up to the next level compared to down to the previous level? This is the choice that represents the quantisation error at its worst (or maximum).
 
So Voltage peak = 2 V
V peak to peak = 2*2 = 4V
Num of quantization levels = 2^n = 2^7 = 128 levels
error voltage = (4/128) /2 = 15.63mv (2 deci place) <-correct buT

BUT why use number of quantization levels?shouldt we use number of steps than find step size. Than find the middle value of the step size?
V peak to peak = 2*2 = 4V
Number of steps = 2^n -1 = 2^7 -1= 127 levels
error voltage = (4/127) /2 = 15.75mv (2 deci place) <-wrong ans though.
 
A fair question!

If you draw a picture using 1sin(t) and quantize this signal using 1bit, and then 2 bits, how does that work?

There's a trick to where you place your quantization levels that makes all the difference! I drew a (very rough) picture to illustrate the problem which I believe is the basis of your confusion.
 

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