Latest Digital Signal Processing Technical Articles

A Primer on Digital Pulse Amplitude Modulation

An encoding technique used for digital communication, pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) converts a discrete-time signal into a variable-amplitude continuous-time signal that is suitable for high-speed wired communication systems.

January 22, 2023 by Robert Keim

ADC Nonlinearity—Missing Codes, Monotonicity, and Nonlinearity Effect on SNR

Learn about eliminating missing codes through averaging, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) monotonicity, and the effect of ADC nonlinearity on the system's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

December 18, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

Digital Square Wave Generator Design Via a Ring Oscillator, 555 Timer, and Arduino

Learn about digital square wave generators using a ring oscillator, a 555 timer-based oscillator, and an Arduino-generated square wave oscillator.

December 11, 2022 by Nicholas St. John

Fourier Series Circuit Analysis—An Intro to Fourier Series Representation

Learn about the importance of the Fourier series in circuit analysis and the Fourier series equations, while gaining insight into how this analysis tool works.

October 16, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar

What is it About Audio Distortion? Understanding Nonlinearity

Learn about how system nonlinearity creates distortion in audio signals that impacts the sounds we hear. We will examine sine waves, harmonics, and intermodulation distortion.

April 10, 2022 by John Woodgate

MEMS Accelerometer Frequency Response and Bandwidth Specification

Learn about frequency response and bandwidth specification of MEMS accelerometers.

December 29, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

Learn How Integrated Solutions Can Increase the Accuracy of Resistive Current Sensing

In this article, we’ll discuss why a discrete implementation cannot provide a high accuracy in resistive current sensing.

August 15, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

An Introduction to Digital Signal Processing

This article provides a general understanding of what DSP is, how it works, and what advantages it can offer. To appreciate the advantages of DSP, let’s first have a look at the conventional method of signal processing, i.e., analog signal processing.

June 30, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

LVDT Demodulation: Rectifier-Type vs. Synchronous Demodulation

Learn how two methods of demodulation compare: synchronous demodulation and rectifier-type demodulation. Here we discuss each method's advantages, drawbacks, and appropriate applications.

May 23, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

Learn About the Basics of LVDT Demodulator Circuits

Learn where demodulator circuits are needed and how you can convert the AC output of an LVDT (linear variable differential transformer) into DC signals using a diode rectifier.

May 16, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

Introduction to Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs)

Looking for a succinct intro to LVDTs? This article will explain LVDT basics, including structure, circuit, transfer function, linear range, sensitivity, and more.

May 09, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

An Introduction to Switched-capacitor Circuits

In this series of articles, we’ll discuss one of the fundamental building blocks of analog IC design: the switched-capacitor circuit.

April 21, 2021 by Jake Hertz

Assessing the Advantages of Ultra-wideband Systems Through Impulse Radios

Using impulse radios as an example, we'll examine the advantages of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology compared to other short-range wireless communication technologies.

April 11, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

What Is the Power Spectrum of Quantization Noise?

Our series on quantization noise begins with a clarification of the framework the author used to determine the scope of his investigation into quantization noise.

March 07, 2021 by Wes Brodsky

Adding a Low-pass Filter to an ADC Model and DAC Modeling

In the final part of this series on modeling ADCs, we discuss one more model and also briefly cover DAC models.

March 02, 2021 by Wes Brodsky

Modeling ADCs Using Intermodulation Polynomial and Effective Number of Bits

In this article, we discuss another methodology of how to model ADCs in system simulations, this time by using the effective number of bits and also adjusting our ADC by introducing a 5th order polynomial to the ideal quantizer input.

February 28, 2021 by Wes Brodsky