Non conventional signal processing by the use of sigma delta technique: a tutorial introduction

The one-bit high-speed data stream generated by sigma-delta modulators can be transformed into a high-resolution analog or digital signal since the spur affecting the one-bit stream is concentrated at high frequency. It is shown that the same feature also gives interesting advantages in efficient signal processing. The double nature, both analog and digital, of a sigma-delta bit stream allows mixed nonconventional processing functions, including nonlinear operations. The advantages in terms of circuit complexity and integrated implementation of silicon area are very promising. In this tutorial introduction to the method, how to perform basic processing functions using sigma-delta bit streams is described