0
$\begingroup$

I need to generate a sine signal using a DAC with a certain THD specification, say 0.1% @ 1KHz. As a first approach I’m considering it to be an ideal DAC along with an ideal LPF for aliasing removal in order to define the minimal resolution in bits so I could achieve the desired THD. To optimize the quality consider I’ll generate the signal using the full scale. Is there a direct method to find the optimal resolution?

I really appreciate any insights!

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ That's a very direct method you've described. Not quite sure what you're asking from us? $\endgroup$
    – Marcus Müller
    Aug 12, 2018 at 9:04
  • $\begingroup$ @MarcusMüller what’s the minimal bit-depth to achieve 0.1% THD @ 1KHz? $\endgroup$
    – PDuarte
    Aug 12, 2018 at 12:33
  • $\begingroup$ Read my answer. $\endgroup$
    – Marcus Müller
    Aug 12, 2018 at 12:33

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

This can't be the way to go: If you have an ideal LPF, one-bit DAC is always sufficient. (Hint: Draw the spectrum of a square wave. Draw the pass band of your LPF on top.)

You don't have an ideal LPF; or you might want to produce a range of sine frequencies (not only a single one) spanning more than an octave, so that you can't just use a fixed LPF + 1 bit DAC.

The easy way to calculate THD is realizing that it's a relation between powers. So, you need to know how much "error power" there is in a quantized signal. There's this term quantization noise that captures that – and it's well-known for sinusoidal signals!

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
5
  • $\begingroup$ I believe I did’t express myself very accuratelly. Yes, you’re correct if I use a square wave and LPF, but that’s not the design I was looking for. You must consider that my system has a minimal bandwidth, say 100KHz @ 200KSa/s, therefore the LPF is tuned in 100KHz $\endgroup$
    – PDuarte
    Aug 12, 2018 at 12:46
  • $\begingroup$ if you know your desired frequency is 100 kHz, then a 1 bit DAC running at 200 kHz is really enough, and you get 0 THD if your LPF cuts off between anywhere 100 kHz and 300 kHz and has infinite suppression at 300 kHz. $\endgroup$
    – Marcus Müller
    Aug 12, 2018 at 12:49
  • $\begingroup$ actually my desired frequency lies inside the bandwidth, 1KHz is a reference for the calculation of THD. So 1-bit DAC generating 1KHz @ 200KSa/s would reproduce all the harmonics from 1KHz up to 100KHz, what am I missing? $\endgroup$
    – PDuarte
    Aug 12, 2018 at 13:35
  • $\begingroup$ As I said in the second paragraph, then you can't just use your sampling rate LPF. So, apply what I said in the third paragraph of my answer. $\endgroup$
    – Marcus Müller
    Aug 12, 2018 at 13:38
  • $\begingroup$ got it, tks for this support! $\endgroup$
    – PDuarte
    Aug 12, 2018 at 15:52

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.