Calculation and implementation of digital sine signals for test and measurement

Sine signals are fundamental test signals used in electronic test procedures for industrial measurements, digital audio or communication equipment, to mention a few applications. Computer controlled test systems suggest the use of digitally generated test signals. The sine signal as the basic test signal (and the starting point for the compilation of more complex periodic signals) can be calculated by many different algorithms depending on the requirements, particularly calculation speed and accuracy. After a survey of hardware based solutions, the paper derives the mathematical basis for software algorithms suitable for generating a sine signal. Properties of some mathematical series and other comparable mathematical calculation schemes are examined, the effects of truncation and rounding with respect to the word-length of the memory or the signal processor are investigated.