An Overview of Sigma-Delta Converters: How a 1-bit ADC achieves more than 16-bit resolution

Abstract

This article briefly describes conventional A/D conversion, as well as its performance modeling. We then look at the technique of oversampling, which can be used to improve the resolution of classical A/D methods. We discuss how sigma-delta converters use the technique of noise shaping in addition to oversampling to allow high resolution conversion of relatively low bandwidth signals. Next, we examine the use of sigma-delta converters to convert narrowband bandpass signals with high resolution. Several parallel sigma-delta converters, which offer the potential of extending high resolution conversion to signals with higher bandwidths, are also described.